Latest NHL signings! Part V

The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Mathieu Darche to a contract.

The Habs also signed forward Brian Gionta to a 5-year, $25 million contract. Brochu's take: Gainey continues to make wholesale changes to his team. But at the same time, are they getting smaller?

The New York Rangers have signed forward Marian Gaborik to a 5-year, $37.5 million contract. Brochu's take: Sather really hates cap space. He despises cap space.

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed goalie Jason LaBarbera to a 2-year deal.

The Calgary Flames have signed forward Fredrik Sjostrom to a 2-year, $1.5 million contract.

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward John Madden to a 1-year, $2.75 million deal.

The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Martin Havlat to a 6-year, $30 million contract. Brochu's take: New GM Chuck Fletcher is doing a pretty good job signing free agents, at $5 million per year, Havlat is a bargain.

The Ottawa Senators have re-signed forward Chris Neil to a 4-year, $8 million contract.

The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed forward Chris Thorburn.

The Boston Bruins have re-signed forward Mark Recchi to a 1-year, $1 million contract.

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Nik Antropov to a 4-year, $16 million contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 23, 2009

According to the St. Petersburg Times, there is a power struggle going on between the principle owners of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Oren Koules and Len Barrie. Koules and Barrie are scheduled to have a meeting Tuesday with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to determine which one of them will have the authority to make decisions for the franchise. Writer John Romano is quoted as saying that "The talk is that Koules wants to keep Lawton as GM, wants to trade Vincent Lecavalier to get out from under his $85 million contract and wants to pare the payroll to the low $40 million range. Barrie is not as solidly behind Lawton, wants to build around Lecavalier and is in favor of signing some free agents to get the payroll closer to $50 million." Brochu's take: Whoa, where did this all come from? Basically, tomorrow could decide the fate of Lecavalier, and what happens to this franchise. Romano reports that Koules has been getting on the bad side of personnel in the Lightning offices. Source

Writer Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province reported on his Twitter account that Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik has bought a house in Vancouver. Brochu's take: Not much of a rumor, but I bring it up because it is eerily similiar to last year, when Markus Naslund was rumored to be showing Pavol Demitra around town, which led to Demitra signing with the Canucks. Also, Gaborik is a close friend of Demitra, so put 2 and 2 together. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 3, 2009

Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik will have surgery on his hip on Monday and will be out a minimum of 10 weeks. This will rule out any chance of Gaborik being traded before the trade deadline, as players that are placed on the long-term injury list are ineligible to be traded. There's a small chance that his rights could be traded right before the July 1st UFA deadline. Brochu's take: And so dies the Gaborik rumors. Perhaps Gaborik should have taken that $8 milllion a year contract when he had the chance; now no one will pay that much for a oft-injured player.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Senators GM Bryan Murray might be willing to shop 1st round pick he received from the Tampa Bay Lightning. There has been interest in forward Antoine Vermette and defenseman Christoph Schubert, but none of the offers were good enough for the Sens. The Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets are believed to have mild interest in forward Jason Spezza. The BJs might also be interested in Vermette and forward Chris Kelly and might be offering up defenseman Kris Russell in return, although the Sens are believed seeking a more established blueliner. Brochu's take: Hmmm...looks like Garrioch reads the Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch, because this is essentially what they reported a few days ago, aside from Kelly's name being thrown in. Spezza's name continues to be in the rumor mill, but seriously, he won't be moved. Source

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Forward Dan LaCouture has left the Carolina Hurricanes franchise and signed with KHL team Barys Astana. Brochu's take: There were rumours of this a few days ago, but I don't think there was much interest in where Dan Lacouture was going. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 25, 2008

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone who have read this blog this year!

According to the Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, forward Marian Gaborik will be held out of the next two games, Sunday vs. Chicago and Monday vs. Calgary. Minnesota Wild assistant GM Tom Lynn chalked it up to injury precautions, but Russo believes that it's a suspicious move, given all the rumors surrounding Gaborik being traded. Russo confirmed that the Atlanta Thrashers have an interest in Gaborik, and the Wild and Thrashers have been in trade talks for the last week or so. Brochu's take: This is getting interesting. Do the Thrashers have enough in their system to get Gaborik? It's unlikely that Ilya Kovalchuk will be headed the other way. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Sport Express is reporting that the Columbus Blue Jackets are(were) interested in Russian forward Sergei Zinovjev. Zinovjev just signed with KHL club Dynamo Moscow for the rest of the season, but will resume talks with NHL teams in the summer. It's believed that the Dallas Stars and Ottawa Senators are interested in him as well. Source

Weekend NHL and Hockey Rumor Roundup for Dec 20-21, 2008

The following rumors are from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

There are apparently "whispers" in the NHL circles that the Atlanta Thrashers and Minnesota Wild are discussing a blockbuster trade that would see the Wild trade forward Marian Gaborik and defenseman Kim Johnsson to the Thrashers for forwards Ilya Kovalchuk and Colby Armstrong. Brochu's take: It's been reported earlier that the Wild and Thrashers have been in trade talks, and it's obvious that Garrioch just jumped in on this and added some likely names.

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, "The Hotstove", Al Strachan reported that the Ottawa Senators are still trying to move forward Jason Spezza. Brochu's take: You'd think that after signing that long extension, these type of rumors would die. But here they are. When's the last time a big contract player was traded??

Strachan also reported that the Florida Panthers are trying to move goaltender Tomas Vokoun, and the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to move goalie Cristobal Huet. Brochu's take: There's been rumors that the Panthers may be trying to shed more payroll because of the economic situation.

According to the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Stars are looking for a no.1 defenseman. There are rumors that they have called the Toronto Maple Leafs about the availability of defenseman Pavel Kubina.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 19, 2008

Sorry about the late update today, I will make another one tonight.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that GM Bryan Murray could be stepping up his pursuit of Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund, noting "Canucks GM Mike Gillis and assistant Lawrence Gilman were on the list of scouts for last night's Ottawa Senators-New York Rangers game". Brochu's take: Gillis did admit to looking at both the Sens and Rangers closely, noting their "makeup". Source

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough was scheduled to attend the recent Ottawa Senators-New York Rangers game but could not make it. "Ottawa and the Rangers are two teams that could make sense for a potential Marian Gaborik trade. Bryan Murray, Ottawa’s GM, loves making blockbusters, and Rangers GM Glen Sather is buddy buddy with Risebrough," writer Michael Russo wrote. Brochu's take: Nothing will be done until Gaborik comes back from injury, but this is something definitely to chew on. Source

Bob McKenzie of TSN reported on his blog that there are rumors that the Minnesota Wild are very close to trading forward Marian Gaborik.

McKenzie is also reporting that "the Chicago Blackhawks, according to multiple NHL sources, have a standing deal ready to go at a moment's notice to acquire veteran center Michael Nylander from the Washington Capitals." The rumble is that the Hawks will ship out goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, but there appears to be a shortage of suitors. Source

The St. Louis Blues have claimed forward BJ Crombeen off waivers from the Dallas Stars.

The Minnesota Wild have placed defenseman Tomas Mojzis on waivers. He has cleared.

The Detroit Red Wings have placed forward Darren McCarty on waivers. He has cleared.

The Blues have also placed forward David Koci on waivers.

NHL and hockey rumors for Nov 1, 2008

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Michael Ryan to a one-year contract. He was actually signed to KHL team Dinamo Minsk, but he never made the team.

According to Sport-Express Daily, an English-language paper in Russia, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are the two teams most interested in Atlanta Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk. Both GMs Cliff Fletcher and Bob Gainey approached Atlanta GM Don Waddell at the general managers meetings in Chicago. Brochu's take: The Canadiens do want to make a splash this season, but unless they have $7 million in imaginary cap space, they are not getting Kovalchuk. And the Leafs don't have anyone in their team or farm system that would interest the Thrashers. Source

The St. Louis Post Dispatch is reporting that the Blues have contacted Brendan Shanahan's agent about his client's interest in signing with the team. The Blues have not made a formal contract offer. Source

The Montreal Canadiens have suspended defenseman Pavel Valentenko without pay on Friday after the prospect left the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League to sign a three-year contract with Dynamo Moscow. The matter has been referred to the IIHF.

The Team 1040 radio in Vancouver reported that Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough was in attendance at Friday's game between the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks. Brochu's take: You have to wonder why he was there, as the Wild don't play the Canucks or Ducks until December. Maybe they were there to talk about a trade...perhaps Marian Gaborik? Just wondering...

Weekend rumor roundup Oct 25-26, 2008

Here are some of the latest NHL and hockey rumors from CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, "The Hotstove":

Al Strachan reported that the Tampa Bay Lightning are in such a sad state that during their European games, co-owner Len Barrie came into the dressing room and started drawing plays and schemes on the board. Strachan also speculated that coach Barry Melrose has until November 15th to turn things around. Brochu's take: This is according to a player that spoke directly to Strachan.

Analyst Pierre LeBrun also reported that the Chicago Blackhawks have inquired about free agent forward Mats Sundin, and Strachan believes the Vancouver Canucks are still the frontrunners to land him.

Strachan also reported that the Montreal Canadiens turned down the Minnesota Wild's offer of trading Marian Gaborik, but still believed that they could be involved in a 3-way trade. LeBrun also reported that the Los Angeles Kings are interested in Gaborik, but only if he agrees to sign a long-term contract with them.

LeBrun also mentioned that contract negotiations between the Senators and forward Daniel Alfredsson are not going smoothly as previously thought.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the price of Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin has gone up, but the Ottawa Senators are still somewhat interested. Garrioch also reports of "talk" that the Canucks are shopping Mattias Ohlund. Brochu's take: There's still the little matter of fitting Khabibulin's big contract under the Sens salary cap. As for Ohlund, Garrioch must have fascination a with him, as he has been the only media person reporting the "rumor". Source

According to RDS, the Habs are no longer interested in Marian Gaborik and could be focusing their attention on Hawks forward Martin Havlat, who is due to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Brochu's take: Havlat has the same injury concerns as Gaborik, but won't command the same price. Source

Bob McKenzie of TSN mentioned in an interview on TEAM 1040 radio in Vancouver that the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers are the only real teams in the Mats Sundin sweepstakes. Brochu's take: Wake me up when Sundin actually signs.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 22, 2008

TSN is reporting that the Minnesota Wild have already offered forward Marian Gaborik to another team, but the unspecified NHL executive was not interested. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings are the frontrunners to land the Slovakian star. Brochu's take: It took the mainstream media quite some time to "officially" report this rumor. I see a Marian Hossa situation, where teams will outbid each other until someone comes up with a ridiculous offer like the Penguins did. (Incidentally, it's another high-scoring Slovakian forward that's on the market this year.) Keep checking Brochu is Hockey for the latest on Gaborik. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have claimed forward Matt Pettinger off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks.

The St. Louis Blues have claimed forward David Koci off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The 'Bolts have also put forward Jason Ward on waivers.

The Anaheim Ducks have put defenseman Ken Klee on waivers.

The New York Rangers have placed forward Patrick Rissmiller on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Minnesota Wild forward Petr Kalus has left the organization and will play in Europe. He still has two years left on his contract, and it's still possible, though unlikely, he may come back to North America. Rumor is that he will play with HC Vitkovice. Source

The Washington Capitals have re-assigned goaltender Michal Neuvirth to HC Ocelari Trinec of the Czech Extraliga. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 20, 2008

Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has confirmed that Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough is definitely shopping forward Marian Gaborik. Russo believes all the rumors surrounding Gaborik being sent to the Montreal Canadiens have merit, and that the Wild are interested in forward Chris Higgins and defensman Ryan McDonagh. Brochu's take: This particular Gaborik rumor has been on the internet for quite some time. Perhaps there's more to this than first realized? Source

The Buffalo News is reporting rumours of "whispers" that the Colorado Avalance are interested in Maxim Afinogenov and they could send forward Marek Svatos to the Sabres. Brochu's take: This could be a good trade, as both seem to need new places to revitalize their careers. Source

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that Habs forward Kyle Chipchura could be on his way out of Montreal in the near future.

The Journal is also reporting that free agent forward Martin Gelinas may be finished with his NHL career, as no teams have called his agent. Playing in Europe remains a last-resort possibility.

Jim Matheson also believes that the New York Rangers might be moving forward Petr Prucha or Dan Fritsche. Brochu's take: I don't think the Rangers will be making moves while their team is doing so well this season. Source

The Rangers also agreed to terms with forward Devin DiDiomete.

Boston/Philly trade, Kings get Quincey

The Boston Bruins have traded defenseman Andrew Alberts to the Philadelphia Flyers for forward Ned Lukacevic and a 4th round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: The Flyers were desperately looking for a depth defenseman, and Alberts should fill that role.

The Los Angeles Kings have claimed defenseman Kyle Quincey off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings. Brochu's take: This should help the void of losing Jack Johnson for 3 months.

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, "The Hotstove" segment suggests that the Minnesota Wild will trade Marian Gaborik at some point this year, and the Pittsburgh Penguins could be the most likely destination. There are rumours that Jordan Staal could be going the other way.

Look for a big version of Brochu's European rumor roundup to be posted tonight!

Poll Results:

Who will win the Art Ross Trophy (most points) this year?

Sidney Crosby	37 (26%)
Alexander Ovechkin	67 (48%)
Vincent Lecavalier	7 (5%)
Evgeni Malkin	8 (5%)
Joe Thornton	4 (2%)
Other	16 (11%)

Total votes: 139

Will you be playing fantasy hockey (pool) this year?

Yes	52 (71%)
No	21 (28%)

Total votes: 73

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 10, 2008

The Phoenix Coyotes have traded forward Mike Zigomanis to the Pittsburgh Penguins for future considerations.

Marian Gaborik has rejected a 10-year, $80 million contract offer from the Minnesota Wild. Brochu's take: It looks like Gaborik really wants to test the open market, or wants to play somewhere with a more offensive system. Expect the trade rumors to ramp up in the following weeks. Source

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Tyson Strachan to a contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking for a veteran defenseman and are rumored to be looking at Nolan Pratt.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forward Matt Murley has left the Carolina Hurricanes organization and has signed to play with KHL team Amur Tigers Khabarovsk. Murley is in breach of his NHL contract and the matter may be referred to the NHL. Source

Ottawa Senators forward Brad Isbister is rumoured to be close to signing with German club Adler Mannheim.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 9, 2008

According to Marty York of Metro News, the Minnesota Wild have reached an "impasse" in contract negotiations with forward Marian Gaborik, and are entertaining offers for the Slovakian star. The Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings are reportedly interested. Brochu's take: Gaborik won't be traded yet, and only if the Wild are out of the running for the playoffs by trade deadline day. Source

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Lawrence Nycholat is rumoured to be headed to the Pittsburgh Penguins or St. Louis Blues once he comes off the injured reserve. Source

Rumors are swirling that the Rangers are close to re-signing forward Brendan Shanahan to a contract. However, the Rangers still have to cut some salary from their cap to fit him in.

The Penguins have placed forward Jeff Taffe on waivers. Forward Kris Beech has been placed on unconditional waivers and is trying to find a job in Europe. Rumors are that he may be close to a deal with Swedish team HV71.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 2, 2008

Marty York of Metro News is reporting that "both the Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators have informed Minnesota Wild officials that they’d be willing and eager to take Marian Gaborik off their hands in a trade if they can’t sign the high-scoring winger to a new contract." Brochu's take: The likelihood of the Wild trading Gaborik to a division rival is remote. However, Gaborik rumors will continue to spread until he signs a contract extension. Source

According to the Boston Herald and other Boston sources, forward Marc Savard could be on his way out of Boston, as the Bruins want to deal him for a puck-moving defenseman. Brochu's take: There's that pesky no trade clause, but Savard would have no shortage of suitors. Source

The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded the rights to unsigned draft pick, Michal Sersen to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Tampa Bay’s fifth-round pick at the 2009 Entry Draft.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed defenseman Luca Sbisa to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Buffalo Sabres have claimed forward Matt Ellis off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Dan Gendur to an entry-level contract.

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed defenseman Ryan Lannon and centre Mike Zigomanis on waivers.

The Edmonton Oilers have placed forwards Ryan Potulny and Carl Corazzini on waivers.

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 11, 2008

The Buffalo Sabres and forward Jason Pominville are negotiating a long-term contract extension. Both sides would like to have a deal done before training camp. Pominville is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. Brochu's take: If he doesn't sign an extension, he could become trade bait if the Sabres are out of the playoff race. Source

Free agent forward Brendan Shanahan wants to return to the New York Rangers, but he remains unsigned. Both sides want to sign a deal, but it appears that Shanahan may be waiting for Mats Sundin's situation to settle itself before signing. Source

The Minnesota Wild and forward Marian Gaborik are set to begin re-negotiations on a long-term contract extension. The Wild are willing to pay $8.5 million per year on a five or seven year deal. Brochu's take: It's possible that Gaborik may decide to test the free agent market next season. He may also want to play for a more offensive minded team.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Kyle Quincey to a two-year contract.

According to the Ottawa Sun, the Ottawa Senators have thrown their hat into the Mats Sundin sweepstakes. The Senators made a push to acquire Sundin at last year's trade deadline, but they were unsuccessful. Brochu's take: You know hockey season is about to start when Garrioch starts writing fluff articles... Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 5, 2008

The Ottawa Senators have signed forward Brad Isbister to a one-year, two-way deal.

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed defenseman Zach Bogosian to a multi-year deal. Terms were not released. Source

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Alex Pietrangelo to a multi-year contract. Terms were not released.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Jarret Stoll to a four-year, $14 million contract.

The Boston Bruins have signed forward Stephane Yelle to a one-year, $750,000 contract.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting rumors that if the Minnesota Wild are unable to ink forward Marian Gaborik to a long-term contract extension, he may be traded to the New York Rangers. Brochu's take: Expect the Gaborik rumours all season, unless he does sign an extension with Minnesota. Source

The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Jordan Bendfeld to a three-year contract.