Hockey Rumors for February 6, 2013

The Colorado Avalanche have claimed Montreal Canadiens forward Aaron Palushaj off waivers.

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed forward Alexandre Bolduc on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor update:

Free agent forward Marco Sturm has signed with Kolner Haie in the DEL.

Post-Lockout NHL signings in Europe for Sept 25, 2012

GERMANY

Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds and St. Louis Blues forward Chris Stewart have signed with Eispiraten Crimmitschau in Germany.  They play in the 2nd Bundesliga, which is the 2nd tier in Germany hockey.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff has signed with Krefeld Pinguine of the DEL.

FINLAND

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jussi Jokinen and San Jose Sharks defenseman Jason Demers has signed with Karpat.

New York Islanders forward Jesse Joensuu has signed with Assat.

Edmonton Oilers forward Lennart Petrell has signed with HIFK.

Detroit Red Wings forward Valtteri Filppula has signed with Jokerit.

Boston Bruins forward Rich Peverley has signed with JYP.

Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 7, 2009

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Jason Williams to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

The New Jersey Devils have re-signed forward Brendan Shanahan to a one-year deal.

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed forward Jannik Hansen to a one-year, two-way contract.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen has retired from hockey. Brochu's take: One of the few remaining players that actually played for the Winnipeg Jets, he will be missed.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Drew Bannister to a one-year deal. Bannister played for the Kassel Huskies in Germany last season.

Forward Jeff Hamilton has left the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and signed with HC Lugano in Switzerland. Source

Nashville Predators forward Antti Pihlstrom has left the organization and signed with Swedish club Farjestad. Source

Hockey and NHL rumors for July 31, 2009

The Calgary Flames have signed forward Dustin Boyd to a one-year, $650,000 contract. They also signed forward Kris Chucko to a contract.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed goalie Jean-Phillipe Lamoureux to a one-year deal.

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed forward Kyle Wellwood to a one-year, $1.2 million contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen to a one-year, $600,000 deal.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Defenseman Sergei Zubov has left the Dallas Stars (and the NHL) and has signed with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. Brochu's take: His salary demands must have been too high for NHL teams, because I think he can still contribute at his age.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Andy Delmore to a one-year deal. Delmore spent the 2008-2009 season with Hamburg Freezers of the DEL.

Goalie J.S. Aubin has left the Philadelphia Flyers organization and signed with DEG Metro Stars in Germany.

Forward Craig MacDonald has left the Columbus Blue Jackets organization and signed with DEG Metro Stars.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 12, 2009

The Atlanta Thrashers have had "several inquiries" from possible investors, but have not had talks about moving the team. One of the team's owners, Washington businessman Bruce Levenson, said Monday "there is no truth to the rumour" the ownership group has been involved in discussions about taking the team out of Atlanta, including with a Vancouver group reportedly interested in relocating the Thrashers to Hamilton. The Hamilton Spectator reported on Saturday that Vancouver developer Tom Gaglardi heads a group interested in moving the Thrashers to Canada. Meanwhile, the mayor of Hamilton has focused his efforts to land an NHL team with the Jim Balsillie group. Source

The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Tyler Myers to a three-year, entry-level contract. Myers was the Sabres' first round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Cameron Gaunce and goalie Trevor Cann to entry-level contracts. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed head coach Rick Tocchet to a two-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Buffalo Sabres forward Colin Murphy has left the organization and signed with German club Augsburger Panther.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 29, 2009

The Pittsburgh Penguins have dropped the "interim" part of head coach Dan Bylsma's job title and has signed him to a multi-year contract extension.

The NHL has loaned an unknown amount of money to the Phoenix Coyotes for payroll and rent payments. The Arizona Republic online edition reported if the team fails to pay its debt, the league can take it over, according to financial records filed with Maricopa County Recorder's Office. Brochu's take: Rumors are flying that the Coyotes could possibly just fold under the economic downturn. I think Gary Bettman should bury the hatchet with Jim Balsillie and let him in. Source

With the Calgary Flames' first round playoff exit, comes the finger-pointing. There are already rumors that coach Mike Keenan will be fired, and GM Darryl Sutter's position will be analyzed and evaluted thoroughly by the Flames' ownership. New Jersey Devils coach Brent Sutter has been continually linked to a return to Alberta, but he remains under contract.

According to the Edmonton Journal, the Edmonton Oilers have asked for permission to speak to former New York Rangers head cooach Tom Renney about their vacant coaching job. Renney has a history with Oilers GM Steve Tambellini, when they both worked for the Vancouver Canucks. Brochu's take: Tambellini will take his time. If anything, I think he will lean to a younger coach who has shown success at the AHL level. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Buffalo Sabres forward Tyler Bouck has signed with ERC Ingolstadt of the DEL for the 2009-2010 season. Source

There's a rumor that Anaheim Ducks forward Petteri Wirtanen will leave the organization and sign with Timra of the Swedish Elite League. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 23, 2009

The Ottawa Senators have placed goalie Martin Gerber on waivers. In the likely event that he clears, he has two options: play for the AHL Binghamton Senators or play for a European club. Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun speculates that teams in Germany and Sweden have shown interest. Brochu's take: He will clear waivers. We may have seen the last of Gerber in the NHL, as he may go the way of another Swiss goalie, David Aebischer. Souce

Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland that the Henrik Zetterberg contract negotiations are nearing a conclusion, and a deal could be done shortly after the All-Star break. The deal is worth around $70 million range over a term of 10 years. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Goalie Marek Schwarz, who left the St. Louis Blues organization earlier this week to return to the Czech Republic, has officially signed with Extraliga club BK Mlada Boleslav. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 16, 2008

TSN, ESPN and Sportsnet are all reporting that the Mats Sundin sweepstakes are down to two teams: The Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers. It's believed that Sundin will make a decision in the next 48 hours or sometime before Friday, which happens to be the NHL's Christmas trade freeze deadline. Sundin's agent J.P. Barry will be meeting with Canucks GM Mike Gillis on Tuesday, while Sundin is back in Sweden for "personal" reasons. Meanwhile, Barry denied a report from the Fan 590 in Toronto that Sundin has signed with the Rangers. Brochu's take: Maybe, just maybe, the Sundin saga will be over this week. All indications seem to point with Sundin signing with the Rangers, who will have to do some major lineup shuffling to fit him in. This is unconfirmed, but I hear Bob McKenzie is going on a hunger strike until Mats signs.

Sportsnet's Doug MacLean also reported that Sundin refused a $7.5 million a year contract from the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting rumors that the Minnesota Wild and Atlanta Thrashers may be close to a trade. Writer Michael Russo reported that Thrashers GM Don Waddell attended both Wild games in California, and during the first intermission, "Waddell and Wild GM Doug Risebrough looked to be having a serious conversation", reports Russo. Brochu's take: Hmmm, definitely something to chew on. There's been a lot speculation about goaltender Nicklas Backstrom's contract negotiations...could something be up? Source

The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed goaltender Fredrik Norrena on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

St. Louis Blues forward prospect Nikolai Lemtyugov has suddenly quit the AHL Peoria Rivermen and returned to Russia. Brochu's take: I'm assuming he was frustrated about toiling in the AHL, and probably could make more money in the KHL. I will always remember him as the guy with the white skates. Source

The opening game of the 2010 IIHF World Hockey Championship is to be held in Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, home of a top-league German soccer team, Schalke 04. The stadium has a potential capacity of 75,976, which would break the outdoor attendance record for a hockey game. Source

Defenseman Matt Kinch has left the San Jose Sharks organization and has signed with DEL club EHC Wolfsburg Grizzly Adams. Brochu's take: Another fantastic name for a hockey team.

According to Rick Westhead of the Toronto Star, some KHL teams might overpay Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mikhail Grabovski next year to lure him to come to Russia. Grabovski is due to be a RFA next summer. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 5, 2008

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Dallas Stars have previously tried to send forward Sean Avery to the minors, and have asked the AHL team Manitoba Moose if they would take him. The Moose were again asked if they would take him, and they responded that "there would be absolutely no chance" they would take him. Brochu's take: The NHL's decision on Avery's suspension should come early Friday morning. Even AHL teams don't want anything to do with Avery.

Rumors are swirling that the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to get defenseman Tomas Kaberle to waive his no trade clause. The Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche are very interested in the Czech blueliner. Brochu's take: Kaberle is living his last days in Toronto, especially if he gets into coach Ron Wilson's doghouse. Perhaps a new locale will help rejuvenate his play.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Petri Kontiola, who has asked for a trade, is rumored to be leaving his team, the AHL Rockford Icehogs, and will join Timra of the Swedish Elite League. Source

Defenseman Steve Marr has also left the Blackhawks organization and has signed with German hockey club Herner EG.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 22, 2008

The Colorado Avalanche have reclaimed forward Jesse Boulerice off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers.

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

The Florida Panthers have placed Wade Belak on waivers.

The St. Louis Blues are desperate for some offensive help, and are rumored to be interested in acquiring Philadelphia Flyers forward Joffrey Lupul. There's also some interest in Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander, who has been linked to the Chicago Blackhawks for some time.

Brochu's European and Asian rumor roundup:

Forward Claude Lemieux, who was trying to make a comeback to the NHL, is now rumored to be signing a contract within the next two weeks with the Worcester Sharks, the San Jose Sharks AHL affiliate. Lemieux played a few games with the China Sharks of the Asia League, but has now left the team. The China Sharks are also affiliated with San Jose. Brochu's take: If this rumor is true, than he's one step closer to his goal.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Prestin Ryan has left the organization and has signed with Adler Mannheim in Germany.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 23, 2008

The New York Islanders have signed free agent forward Mark Parrish to a 25 game AHL contract. He will be given a chance to earn an NHL contract.

The St. Louis Blues have placed defenseman Jeff Woywitka on waivers.

The Blues have also signed goaltender Jake Allen to a contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

New Jersey Devils forward Fedor Fedorov has signed with KHL team Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk in Tartarstan. He had been given permission by the Devils to seek a contract elsewhere. Brochu's take: I don't think we'll see Sergei's "little" brother in the NHL again. He'll always have his rap career to fall back on. Source

Six major European domestic leagues announced on Wedensday that they have organized a group to protect their leagues against player raids and expansion by the NHL and KHL. Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany and Switzerland have banded to form "Hockey Europe", and the NHL has recognized the group as a partner. Read on here.

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 Aug 4, 2008

A lot of movement to Europe lately, so here's the big version of Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forward Josh Langfeld has left the Nashville Predators organization and signed with Frankfurt Lions of the DEL. Source

Forward Trevor Letowski has left the Carolina Hurricanes organization and has signed with Barys Astana of the KHL. Source

Phoenix Coyotes forward Mathias Tjarnqvist has signed with Swedish club Rogle. Source

Defenseman Ryan Caldwell has signed with DEG Metro Stars in Germany.

Forward Duncan Milroy has left the Montreal Canadiens organization and has signed with ERC Ingolstadt in Germany for the 2008-2009 season.

Forward Kevin Doell has left the Atlanta Thrashers organization and has signed with Swedish team Leksand.

NHL and hockey rumors for Aug 3, 2008

According to the Puck-rakers blog of the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets have invited defenseman Richard Matvichuk to training camp as a non-roster tryout. Matvichuk spent last season with the New Jersey Devils AHL affiliate Lowell, scoring a goal and three assists.

The Tennessean is reporting that the Nashville Predators are talking to the agents of four unrestricted forwards: Glen Murray, Mark Parrish, Martin Gelinas and Jan Hlavac. The Preds are looking for a forward in case Alexander Radulov does remain in Russia. It's also been confirmed that the Predators have talked to one other team about trades. Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Andre Deveaux.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Mike Johnson has left the St. Louis Blues organization and has signed with DEL team Kolner Haie for the 2008-2009 season.

Forward Geoff Platt has left the Anaheim Ducks organization and has signed with Ilves of the SM-Liiga in Finland.

Mariusz Czerkawski retires from hockey

Mariusz Czerkawski has decided to retire from hockey. The Polish forward played in 745 NHL games for the Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders, totaling 215 goals and 220 assists. Czerkawski played the last two seasons for the Swiss Nationalliga A team Rapperswil-Jona Lakers, where he was the amongst the team leaders in points. Brochu's take: The "Polish Prince" was a decent scorer, both on and off the ice. Not only did he manage 20+ goals in 6 seasons, he managed to find time to marry (and divorce) ex-James Bond girl Izabella Scorupco. (The woman in the picture is his new wife, Miss Poland 2000). Source

The Chicago Blackhawks have traded forward Martin St. Pierre to the Boston Bruins for forward Pascal Pelletier.

Boston Bruins forward Glen Murray has passed waivers. It's rumored that he will be bought out as soon as possible.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Kevin Dallman has left the organization and signed with KHL team Barys Astana in Kazakhstan.

Florida Panthers defenseman Magnus Johansson has signed a three-year contract with Swedish team Linkoping. He will be loaned to KHL team Atlant Mytischy for the first year. Source

Defenseman Tom Wandell has left the Dallas Stars organization and signed with SEL team Timra for the 2008-2009 season.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mathieu Biron will play with DEL team Frankfurt Lions for the 2008-2009 season. Source

NHL free agent signings for July 19, 2008

A lot of NHLer's have been signing in Europe, so here's another edition of Brochu's European rumor roundup:

San Jose Sharks forward Curtis Brown has signed with Kloten Flyers of the Swiss Nationalliga A.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Joe DiPenta has signed with Swedish team Frolunda for the 2008-2009 season.

Dallas Stars goalie Johan Holmqvist has also signed with Frolunda Indians of the SEL.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Patrick Thoresen has signed with HC Lugano in Switzerland.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Eric Boguniecki from ERC Ingolstadt in the DEL.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nate DiCasmirro has signed with HC Bolzano of the Italian Serie A.

New Jersey Devils forward Sergei Brylin is rumored to have signed a three-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL.

Blue Jackets forward Mark Rycroft has signed to play with KHL team Dinamo Minsk in Belarus.

Radulov signs with Salavat Yulaev Ufa!

Nashville Predators forward Alexander Radulov has signed a three-year contract with KHL team Salavat Yulaev Ufa. In an interview with Russian paper Sport-Express, Radulov stated that he was approached by the Russian team with a great offer, an offer that Nashville could not match. Brochu's take: This isn't a rumor folks, this has happened. Radulov is due to be a RFA next year, so his contract will be suspended. If he ever returns to the NHL, he will have one year remaining on his entry-level deal. Source

There are rumors that Philadelphia Flyers forward Patrick Thoresen could be headed to Switzerland or Sweden, with SEL clubs Skellefteå, Timrå, and Brynäs the most interested in the Norwegian forward. Source

Swedish sources are saying that defenseman Jaroslav Modry could be signing with Malmo of the Elitserien for 2008-2009. Source

Florida Panthers defenseman Magnus Johansson is rumored to be headed to Atlant Mytischi of the KHL.

The San Jose Sharks have signed defenseman Brendan Buckley to a contract. Buckley spent last season playing for German club Iserlohner Roosters. Source

Goalie Mike Morrison has left the New York Islanders organization and signed with Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia. Source

Defenseman Bryce Lampman has left the Dallas Stars organization and signed with Amur Tigers Khabarovsk in Russia.

Edmonton Oilers forward Jonas Almtorp has been given a try-out for Lulea.

NHL and hockey rumors for June 27, 2008

The Calgary Flames have put defensemen Rhett Warrener, Anders Eriksson and forward Marcus Nilson on waivers.

The Florida Panthers have signed forward Gregory Campbell to a two-year contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed center Brian Sutherby to a one-year contract extension.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Siarhei Kolasau to a two-year, entry-level contract.

The New York Rangers have signed forward Pierre-Alexandr Parenteau to a contract extension.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Czech reports have New York Rangers forward Martin Straka signing with Czech Extraliga club HC Plzen, but Straka's agent has denied the report. Straka will wait until the July 1st date to decide his future, and is looking at deals coming from other NHL clubs. Source

New York Islanders goalie Wade Dubielewicz has signed with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL. Source

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jon Klemm has signed with Straubing Tigers of the DEL in Germany. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for June 16, 2008

According to Newsday, Alexei Yashin wants to return to the NHL with the New York Islanders. Yashin's agent and GM Garth Snow has had discussions about a contract, but nothing is conclusive at this point. Yashin has a standing contract offer from his Russian team Yaroslavl Lokomotiv for the 2008-2009 season. Brochu's take: Are the Islanders really this desperate for offense? But than again, stranger things have happened...nah, this is much stranger. Source

Swiss reports are indicating that the Montreal Canadiens may be having problems with signing impending UFA Mark Streit. The Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers have shown interest in the defenseman/forward. Streit's preference is to play for a team's blueline corps. Source

Unrestricted free agent Blake Wheeler is narrowing down his list of teams to around 3 or 4. Wheeler is believed to have limited himself to teams in the East. The Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks are amongst the interested teams. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

There are rumors that German clubs Kolner Hale and Adler Mannheim are pursuing Phoenix Coyotes forward Mike York. Source

New Jersey Devils defenseman Richard Matvichuk could be joining the Straubing Tigers of the DEL. Source

New Jersey Devils forward Petr Vrana could be joining Swedish club Brynas for the 2008-2009 season. Source

Poll Results:

Who is this summer's biggest free agent?

Marian Hossa	305 (65%)
Pavol Demitra	7 (1%)
Brian Campbell	94 (20%)
Wade Redden	11 (2%)
Kristian Huselius	11 (2%)
Brian Rolston	17 (3%)
Other	19 (4%)

Total Votes: 464

Thanks to everyone who participated in the polls!

Habs, Canucks after Hossa?

According to Metro News, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Marian Hossa will not be re-signing with the club, and the leading contenders to sign the free agent forward are the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have fired coach John Tortorella. Tortorella had one year remaining on his contract. Barry Melrose continues to be rumored as the new head coach. Brochu's take: This has been rumoured for the longest time. GM Jay Feaster did not deny the Melrose rumor, but only stated that he has a list of names he will take to the new ownership.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Dennis Persson to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Sami Kapanen has retired from the NHL. He is close to signing a multi-year contract with Finnish club KalPa Kuopio. Kapanen owns 50.5% of the shares of KalPa and is also chairman of the organization. His contract has been terminated mutually but the Flyers will continue to hold his NHL rights.

Anaheim Ducks forward Jason King has left the organization and will play with Adler Mannheim of the German DEL. Source

The New York Rangers have signed forward Tomas Zaborsky to a three-year, entry-level contract.