Hockey and NHL rumors for Sept 10, 2009

The St. Louis Blues have signed forward Derek Armstrong to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Boston Bruins have signed defenseman Andy Wozniewski.

The Ottawa Sun is reporting a rumor of a 3-way trade between the San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators and Los Angeles Kings. The deal would send Dany Heatley to the Sharks, Jarret Stoll and Alexander Frolov to Ottawa and Patrick Marleau to the Kings. Brochu's take: You know it's almost hockey season when Bruce Garrioch comes up with his ridiculous rumors. Marleau has a NTC, and probably doesn't want to waive it for a team that's not likely to make the playoffs. Frolov has been a particular favourite of Garrioch rumours. Source

According to an Oilers blog, it's very likely that the Edmonton Oilers will sign forward Mike Comrie to a deal on Friday. There's also some interest from the Atlanta Thrashers. Brochu's take: I wonder if the Oilers fans out there have forgiven him? Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Atlanta Thrashers forward Eric Perrin has signed with KHL team Avangard Omsk.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jiri Novotny has signed with Russian team HK Atlant.

Possible Heatley destinations

Here's my list of possible destinations for Dany Heatley, in order of probability:

1. Edmonton

Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray loves Dustin Penner, and this could be the best opportunity to unload the under-performing forward. Penner alone won't make the deal happen, so the Oilers would have to give up either Sam Gagner or Andrew Cogliano and picks to get Heatley. Heatley has also good relations with Hockey Canada and Edmonton management personnel such as Kevin Lowe and Steve Tambellini.

2. Calgary

Heatley was raised in Calgary, so that's one reason. Pay no attention to those ridiculous Dion Phaneuf proposals, but the Flames would have to unload one of their high price contracts in order to fit him in their salary cap.

3. Los Angeles

They have lots of salary cap space, and lots of young assets to trade, such as Alexander Frolov. But the problem is Heatley going to waive his no-movement clause to a team that isn't quite Stanley Cup material?

4. St. Louis

They're looking to make a big splash on the free agent market, but getting Heatley would just be as good. They have a lot of good, young players and plenty of cap space.

5. Vancouver

It's looking unlikely that the Sedin twins will re-sign, so that frees up two top-6 spots and lots of salary cap space. However, the Canucks lack tradeable young assets. Heatley does own an off-season home in Kelowna, BC but I think that's not a huge factor.

Wildcard: Tampa Bay

The only way this would work is a straight Heatley for Lecavalier deal, which would offset each other's big salary cap hit. However, I wouldn't put anything pass Oren Koules and Len Barrie.

Weekend rumor roundup for Jan 31-Feb 1, 2009

Here's the lastest NHL and rumour roundup for the weekend of Jan 31-Feb 1, 2009:

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks are interested in re-signing Martin Havlat to a long-term contract extension. There appears to be interest on both sides. Garrioch also adds that the Montreal Canadiens had planned to make a hard run at Havlat at the trade deadline, and were going to pursue him in the summer. Brochu's take: The Hawks are not going to trade Havlat when they are in a playoff position. However, I do see Havlat looking to the open market in the summer.

The Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins could be interested in more toughness, and Ottawa Senators forward Chris Neil could be a possibility. Garrioch speculates that it would cost any team a 2nd round pick. There has also been one NHL team interested in forward Shean Donovan.

The Atlanta Thrashers are looking to move forward Marty Reasoner. Brochu's take: Along with half of Atlanta's roster.

The New Jersey Devils are rumored to be willing to move forward Brian Gionta. Brochu's take: Ain't going to happen, Bruce.

The Los Angeles Kings are looking to move forward Alexander Frolov. Brochu's take: He could be available, but the price to get him would be high. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 13, 2009

Speculation around the NHL and hockey world is growing about the possibility of the Tampa Bay Lightning trading forward Vincent Lecavalier. Bob McKenzie notes that it's up to Lecavalier if he wants to stay in Tampa, or be traded. His no trade clause does not kick in until July 1st. McKenzie also noted that the the proposed deal with the Montreal Canadiens includes Tomas Plekanec, Chris Higgins, Josh Gorges, prospect P.K. Subban and a package of draft picks (including a first rounder ). Source

La Presse is also reporting that the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers could be interested. Brochu's take: Forget the Rangers, their lack of salary cap space is what prevented Mats Sundin from signing there. The Kings and Oilers have the cap room, but do they have the assets? Rumours are that any package from the Oilers would have to include forwards Shawn Horcoff and Rob Schremp. The Lightning would also like Alexander Frolov from LA. Source

ESPN's Scott Burnside reports the Phoenix Coyotes were penalized 25% of their portion of the revenue-sharing pot last season. Teams can only collect their share of the revenue-sharing money if they attain certain revenue and attendance targets. Also, the Coyotes last week laid off 18 staff members, approximately 10% of their staff. Rumors of contraction have spread through the league as well. Brochu's take: The CBC Hotstove panel were discussing the possibility ( and implementation) of the dispersal draft already! Before we talk about the "c" word, I believe the league and NHL will do everything possible to relocate the franchise first.

The Florida Panthers have placed defenseman Cory Murphy on waivers.

Big Senators-Kings trade?

According to Kevin Lee on XM Radio, Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray is considering a package deal that would involve Ray Emery, Patrick Eaves and a prospect for a forward and a goaltender. The LA Kings are rumoured to be their destination. Jason LaBarbera would be coming back in return. As for the foward, a few names are out there. Dustin Brown, Patrick O'Sullivan, Alexander Frolov or Michal Handzus. Also, GM Murray and his assistant GM Tim Murray were both in Binghamton on Friday, leading to speculation that he was watching which prospect would be involved in the trade.

In other Senators news, the Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins are rumoured to be in discussions to play their 2008-2009 season openers in Sweden. Swedish media reports indicate the games would take place in the Globen Arena in Stockholm on October 4-5, 2008. Sources have indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs were their first choice, but the Leafs could not come to terms financially. Source

Scott Niedermayer skated for a second time on Thursday, but remains unsure whether he will return to the Anaheim Ducks or retire. "No decision has been made," Niedermayer said. "Really, there is no change in anything right now, other than the fact I'm skating. When the decision does come, if it is to go back and play, I'm a little bit closer." Source

Jeff Friesen to Switzerland?

According to the Swiss newspaper "Il Caffè", HC Lugano of the Swiss Nationalliga A is interested in signing Jeff Friesen. Friesen is currently without contract. Source

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi is shopping Alexander Frolov and Dustin Brown in the hopes of landing a goalie.

The Ottawa Senators might be willing to discuss Brian McGrattan with other teams. The Panthers and Oilers are both looking for enforcers. The Panthers have been looking for a tough guy and may be close to getting one soon.

Danny Markov may be signed by tomorrow. The two most likely teams are Boston and New Jersey, although Atlanta remain in the mix.

Garrioch is also reporting that Capitals forward Matt Bradley could be moved. Source