NHL and hockey rumors for July 7, 2008

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets are close to re-signing forward Michael Peca.

The Toronto Sun is reporting that the Maple Leafs are close to re-signing restricted free agent Matt Stajan to a multi-year deal, worth around $1.8 million a year.

The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Owen Nolan to a two-year, $2.4 million contract. The Wild also signed goaltender Barry Brust to a multi-year contract, and forward Jesse Schultz to a one-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Russian forward Igor Grigorenko has left RSL team Salavat Yulaev, citing a lack of ice time as the reason. Brochu's take: An NHL team might give him a chance, as he once a top prospect in the Detroit Red Wings farm system. Source

There are rumors that Ottawa Senators forward Randy Robitaille could be joing HC Lugano of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Source

Poll Results:

Do you think an NHL team will sign Ray Emery?

Yes	69 (61%)
No	43 (38%)

Total Votes: 112

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The latest NHL rumors for May 5, 2008

According to Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal, Calgary Flames forward and impending UFA Kristian Huselius' most likely destinations are the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders and the New Jersey Devils. Brochu's take: Huselius will take advantage of a seller's market, as the pool of free agent forwards is quite low. Huselius can easily command a +$5million contract this summer.

The Detroit Red Wings have also let forward prospect Igor Grigorenko know that he will no longer fit into their plans. The Wings don't believe he's fully recovered from his car crash in 2001. Source

During CBC's broadcast of Game 5 of the Montreal Canadiens - Philadelphia Flyers series, Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin was spotted chatting with ex-Atlanta Thrashers coach Bob Hartley. This has fueled rumors of Hartley taking the head coaching job in Florida.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Dale Mitchell to an three-year, entry-level contract.