NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 8, 2009

The Anaheim Ducks have signed free agent forward Dan Sexton to a two-year, entry-level contract. Sexton has spent the past two seasons with Bowling Green State University. Source

The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Mark Katic to a three-year, entry-level contract. Katic was the Isles' third round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Source

The Islanders have also re-signed forward Doug Weight to a one-year, $2.2 million contract extension, with bonuses.

The Ottawa Senators have signed coach Cory Clouston to a two-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forwards Linus Omark and Johan Harju, who have played well for Lulea of the Swedish Elite League this season, have decided to sign with Dynamo Moskva (Moscow) of the KHL for the 2009-2010. The respective draft picks of the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning were expected to sign with their NHL teams, but agent Patrik Aronsson has confirmed the transfer. Brochu's take: Omark has been the talk of the hockey world with his outrageous shootout goal on Youtube. They'll both get top-6 minutes in Russia, something they would never get in North America. Source

Swiss reports are saying that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks have expressed their interest in forward Andres Ambuhl. Ambühl has an exit clause in his contract with HC Davos if he signs an offer from outside of Switzerland. Brochu's take: NHL teams have been keeping an eye on him for sometime. Click here for more on Ambuhl. 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