NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 22, 2009

The Dallas Stars have signed defenseman Phillip Larsen to a three-year, entry-level contract. Larsen was the Stars' fifth round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The Minnesota Wild have re-signed defenseman John Scott to a one-year contract.

The Boston Bruins have signed free agent goalie Matt Dalton to a two-year contract. Dalton has played the last two seasons with Bemidji State University of the NCAA. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Former NHL goalie Dominik Hasek has come out of retirement to play for his hometown team, HC Moeller Pardubice in the Czech Republic. "A year ago I said goodbye to the NHL but not to hockey," Hasek said. "After a year when I was engaged in other activities I felt like returning." Hasek also has an option year after next year. Brochu's take: There had been rumors that he would sign with a KHL team in Russia, but I guess the economic situation put a damper on that. Hasek also stated he would love to play in the Olympics, when he will be nearly 45 years old. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for June 9, 2008

Various sources are saying that Detroit Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek is expected to announce his retirement on Monday. The Red Wings have called a news conference at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit for 11am et/8am pt. Brochu's take: Hasek has proven that he can still play at his age; will this retirement be permanent? He does have an offer to play in Russia.

There are rumors that several European and Russian teams have made offers to Montreal Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak. Halak is due to be a restricted free agent come July 1. Source

Defenseman Anton Babchuk has expressed a desire to return to the NHL, but the Carolina Hurricanes are not interested. Babchuk bolted to Russia last season because he refused to play in the AHL. Source

Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock is close to signing a contract extension, with an announcement on Monday likely. However, assistant coach Todd McClennan will probably be leaving, as he will be interviewing with the San Jose Sharks and Atlanta Thrashers this week about their vacant head coaching positions. Source

European rumor update for June 8, 2008

Here's the big edition of Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Detroit Red Wings goalie Dominic Hasek has turned down a one-year, $3.5 million deal from Russian club Avangard Omsk. Hasek is not interested in the money, and is citing a lack of motivation at the moment. He will be deciding his future later in the summer. Source

Minnesota Wild forward Branko Radivojevic has signed a two-year deal with Spartak Moskva (Moscow) of the KHL. Source

Nashville Predators defenseman Janne Niskala has signed with Atlant (K. Mytischy) for the 2008-2009 season. Source

There are rumors that Erik Westrum may be returning to the NHL. Swiss sources are reporting that several teams have offered him two-way deals, while the Calgary Flames are believed to have offered a one-way deal. Source

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Oskar Osala to a three-year, entry level contract.

Rumors from Russia indicate that two KHL teams have made offers to Buffalo Sabres defenseman Dmitri Kalinin. It's believed Ak Bars Kazan and Salavat Yulaev have approached Kalinin's agent about playing in Russia for the 2008-2009 season. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for June 6, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks and forward Corey Perry have agreed to wait until July 1 to continue contract negotiations. Perry, a restricted free agent, will most certainly get an offer sheet this summer. Rumors have been flying that the Calgary Flames and Atlanta Thrashers may consider sending an offer sheet.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Derek Peltier to an entry-level contract.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Glen Wesley has retired after 20 NHL seasons. The 'Canes will retire his no. 2 jersey and has named him director of defenseman development. Source

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios wants to return next season, if the team wants him back. However, Dominic Hasek will only come back if he's motivated enough to play. Source

Billionaire Jim Balsillie has once again been rejected by the Nashville Predators ownership group. Two weeks ago, he was rebuffed by the local ownership about taking over the 27% ownership that troubled financier William "Boots" Del Biaggio owns. It's alleged that the NHL disapproved of the deal. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Nashville Predators defenseman Janne Niskala may be joining Biel/Bienne of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Source