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 29, 2009

According to Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell, both Kari Lehtonen and Ondrej Pavelec will be shopped this summer, with one of them most likely to be traded. Brochu's take: Lehtonen hasn't quite lived up to his potential, but I'm pretty sure some NHL teams will give him a chance. Pavelec may need several more years to establish himself. Source

According to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun, several teams have contacted the Detroit Red Wings about trading the rights to forward Marian Hossa. GM Ken Holland doesn't want to trade the rights yet, but admits if a deal cannot be concluded in the next 48 hours, he will consider offers. Brochu's take: It's my guess that Hossa will be shooting for the moon in terms of his contract, so whoever wants his rights should be wary. I'm hearing the Carolina Hurricanes and Islanders are very interested.

LeBrun also adds a rumor that the Montreal Canadiens may sign impending UFA Martin Havlat. Havlat spends his offseason in Montreal. Source

There continues to be speculation that Saku Koivu will sign with the Minnesota Wild so that he can play with his brother Mikko.

It appears the Philadelphia Flyers are willing to let impending UFA goalie Martin Biron go, since they already signed Ray Emery to a contract. It's been rumored that the Colorado Avalanche are interested in signing the netminder.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun postulates that the Habs will go after Philadelphia Flyers forward Daniel Briere as "Plan B", as efforts to pry Vincent Lecavalier from the Tampa Bay Lightning have been futile. Garrioch adds that the Flyers are shopping forward Simon Gagne. Brochu's take: Briere's contract is essentially untradeable, and he has a no trade clause and made it pretty clear he doesn't want to play in Montreal, despite Garrioch's assertions. As for Gagne, his contract is pretty cheap, and I would imagine many teams will be lining up to get him. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 4, 2009

According to the New York Post, Markus Naslund has retired from the NHL at the age of 35. Naslund notified New York Rangers GM Glen Sather of his decision at an exit interview on Thursday. The Rangers have not commented on the newspaper report. Naslund still has one year remaining on his contract, worth $3 million. Brochu's take: Naslund was once amongst the top 3 players in the league. However, he's never really been the same since the Steve Moore hit.

The San Jose Sharks have signed forward John McCarthy to a two-year, entry-level contract. McCarthy was the Sharks' 7th round pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

According to TSN, the Philadelphia Flyers have had significant discussions with Ray Emery's agent, J.P. Barry, about a return to the NHL. Emery played in Russia last season in the Kontinental Hockey League with Atlant Mytischi and has a lucrative offer on the table to return to the KHL with the same club. The Flyers have been rumored to be looking to improve their goaltending position, and they are also interested in Florida Panthers goalie Craig Anderson and Atlanta Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen. Brochu's take: There's also rumors that the Edmonton Oilers are looking closely at the young netminder. Source

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting the Blackhawks and free agent-to-be forward Martin Havlat are discussing a 8-10 year contract extension. Brochu's take: While Havlat finally had an injury-free season, his questionable injury history should scare any team off a long-term offer like that. The Hawks would be making a big mistake if they did that. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Buffalo Sabres goalie Mikael Tellqvist has left the organization and has signed with Russian club Ak Bars Kazan for the 2009-2010 season.

Weekend rumor roundup for Jan 31-Feb 1, 2009

Here's the lastest NHL and rumour roundup for the weekend of Jan 31-Feb 1, 2009:

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks are interested in re-signing Martin Havlat to a long-term contract extension. There appears to be interest on both sides. Garrioch also adds that the Montreal Canadiens had planned to make a hard run at Havlat at the trade deadline, and were going to pursue him in the summer. Brochu's take: The Hawks are not going to trade Havlat when they are in a playoff position. However, I do see Havlat looking to the open market in the summer.

The Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins could be interested in more toughness, and Ottawa Senators forward Chris Neil could be a possibility. Garrioch speculates that it would cost any team a 2nd round pick. There has also been one NHL team interested in forward Shean Donovan.

The Atlanta Thrashers are looking to move forward Marty Reasoner. Brochu's take: Along with half of Atlanta's roster.

The New Jersey Devils are rumored to be willing to move forward Brian Gionta. Brochu's take: Ain't going to happen, Bruce.

The Los Angeles Kings are looking to move forward Alexander Frolov. Brochu's take: He could be available, but the price to get him would be high. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 30, 2009

The New York Rangers have traded forward Dan Fritsche to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Erik Reitz. Frtische cleared waivers on Wednesday.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed forward George Parros to a three-year contract extension. The deal is believed to be worth $875,000 annually. Brochu's take: It was supposed to be a two-year contract, but his moustache got an extra year.

According to USA Today hockey writer Kevin Allen, there are many players believed to be available before the March 4 trade deadline. Among the most talked about are Ottawa Senators forward Dean McAmmond, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Sean O'Donnell, Nashville Predators defenseman Greg De Vries and forward Radek Bonk. Allen also believes it's possible that the Anaheim Ducks could shop one of their impending UFAs, a group which includes Brendan Morrison, Steve Montador, Todd Marchant, Sami Pahlsson, Travis Moen, and both Niedermayer brothers. Brochu's take: Allen lists others, but they have been all reported earlier in rumors. I don't think the Ducks will shop anyone yet, as they are fighting for a playoff spot. Source

The Chicago Blackhawks are considering re-signing forward Martin Havlat. Havlat is in the last year of his $6 million a year deal. Brochu's take: Rumours of the Hawks wanting to trade Havlat have really died down. His strong play and injury-free status this year should get him a good contract in the offseason. Source

Weekend NHL and Hockey Rumor Roundup for Dec 27-28, 2008

This is the latest NHL and hockey rumors for the weekend of December 27-28, 2008.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Philadelphia Flyers will shop defenseman Randy Jones once Danny Briere comes back off the injury list.

Brendan Shanahan continues to skate and practise alone, while waiting for a team to call him. Shanahan has been looking for a deal with an Eastern Conference team, but sources are saying that it won't be long until he starts talking to Western Conference teams. Brochu's take: Shanahan's time is running out, but there's talk that several teams are desperately trying to make salary cap space for him. Word is that the Rangers could be back in the running.

Garrioch claimes that league sources have confirmed that Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey have talked to the Chicago Blackhawks about forward Martin Havlat. Brochu's take: Once Garrioch latches on a rumor, he doesn't let go. Remember the Ohlund to Senators rumours he had every week? Source

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN is reporting that the Washington Capitals aren't actively trying to trade forward Michael Nylander, but will listen to the right offer if someone calls. Brochu's take: The Columbus Blue Jackets are looking for a no.1 centre...could they be interested?

Lebrun also reports there is a lot of "chatter" around the league that the Toronto Maple Leafs are kicking tires on backup goalies. Source

According to Newsday, the Columbus Blue Jackets are believed to be interested in New York Islanders forward Doug Weight. Source

The Columbus Dispatch blog "Puck-rakers" reported that a Blue Jackets scout was at Saturday's game between the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres. Brochu's take: The chatter around the league is that the BJ's could be close to a trade.

The Calgary Flames has suspended forward Dan Ryder for violation of team rules and conduct detrimental to the best interests of the team. Brochu's take: Let's hope this kid can sort out his problems.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 11, 2008

The New York Islanders have placed forward Jon Sim on waivers. The Islanders blog "Point Blank" suggests that this move is the first in a series of transactions that could see several veterans being waived to make roster space. Brochu's take: A quick peep at the Islanders roster indicates there are already lots of players about to become UFAs, so they might as well wait until the end of the year. However, defensemen Brendan Witt and Andy Sutton could be possible targets for the waiver wire. Source

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has received several offers, but none that have interested him. Burke will not make any personnel moves before his self-imposed Christmas trade freeze, but has been fielding calls on players. "It's a compassionate group," he said of his fellow GMs with a laugh. "They say, `Here's the new guy, he's lost a couple of games, he's got cap room,' so I've been offered some world-class salaries. Unfortunately the players' play haven't been commensurate with their salaries." Brochu's take: There have been rumors that Burke's first priority is getting back some of the draft picks that ex-GM Cliff Fletcher has doled out. Source

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks want to free up some salary cap space for Mats Sundin, and are actively shopping forward Martin Havlat around the league. Garrioch suggests that the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets could use a dynamic offensive player. Brochu's take: Havlat's injury-free season (so far) might be enough bait for someone to bite. Perhaps the Leafs could take on his salary for a 1st rounder? Source

According to Ken Campbell of The Hockey News, sources are saying that Dallas Stars co-GM Brett Hull will be moved to a smaller role in the organization, most likely as advisor to owner Tom Hicks. Brochu's take: Rumors are that Hull never went to scout minor or junior players, and missed a lot of "essential" GM duties.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 1, 2008

Al Strachan on "The Hotstove" of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast reported that the Calgary Flames are shopping Mike Cammalleri, and are looking for a rugged winger in return. Brochu's take: I doubt that he is being shopped, as his play has really picked up in the last few weeks.

Adrian Dater of the Denver Post believes that the Colorado Avalanche are still interested in Buffalo Sabres forward Maxim Afinogenov, and are still making inquiries about him. Dater also reports that interest in trading defenseman Brett Clark has been lost due to the injury to Adam Foote. Brochu's take: I'm pretty sure Dater reported this Afinogenov rumor sometime last year, but I'm not sure. There hasn't been much interest in Afinogenov from any NHL team. Source

Tim Sassone of the Chicago Daily Herald is reporting that the Blackhawks are possibly shopping forward Martin Havlat, who has struggled of late. He believes that the Montreal Canadiens may be interested. Brochu's take: The Habs have been looking for a high scoring forward, but I don't think Havlat would fit into their system. Source

The following rumors come from rumor-monger extraordinaire, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to shed some salary, and are shopping defensemen Joe Corvo and Frantisek Kaberle, and forward Patrick Eaves. Brochu's take: Eaves has not progressed since the trade from the Senators.

The Toronto Maple Leafs may ship defenseman Pavel Kubina to new GM Brian Burke's old team, the Anaheim Ducks. Brochu's take: The Ducks are pushing the cap, I don't think they will add another defenseman with such a high salary.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 27, 2008

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Darryl Sydor has asked for a trade. Sydor knows that he won't get much playing time once Ryan Whitney returns in December from injury. Brochu's take: GM Ray Shero will most likely hold on to him until the trade deadline, where he could get maximum return for the veteran defender. Source

The Florida Panthers may be close to signing defenseman Jassen Cullimore, as the Cats are decimated by injuries on the blueline. Source

Here's the latest from Bruce Garrioch and the Ottawa Sun:

The Chicago Blackhawks may be willing to move forward Martin Havlat.

Garrioch reports that "don't be surprised" if the Toronto Maple Leafs try to move Alex Steen, Matt Stajan and defenseman Tomas Kaberle before the end of the season. Brochu's take: Kaberle has a no trade clause and has refused to waive it once already. As for Steen, that's the first time I've heard his name in the rumor mill.

There are "whispers" that the Atlanta Thrashers are willing to move forward Ilya Kovalchuk. Brochu's take: Garrioch loves his "whispers"...they are in every one of his columns. It's possible, but I don't think the Thrashers are going to trade their one superstar.

The Philadelphia Flyers are quietly shopping for a goaltender, and could be interested in the Thrasher's Ondrej Pavelec and Montreal Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak. Brochu's take: Neither are established NHL goalies yet, so why would GM Paul Holmgren want them?

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 July 6, 2008

According to the Ottawa Sun, the Senators could be close to acquiring San Jose Sharks defenseman Kyle McLaren or Anaheim Ducks defenseman Mathieu Schneider. Brochu's take: This is a Bruce Garrioch rumor, so take it with a bag of salt.

The star 940 radio is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks are trying to move forward Martin Havlat. Teams rumored to be interested are the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres and Atlanta Thrashers, as well as the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens. Brochu's take: The Hawks have to get rid of some salary soon, and Havlat has only one year left on his contract. This could be a salary dump type of trade.

In an interview with Global TV in Vancouver, Canucks GM Mike Gillis revealed he has had more discussions with Brendan Morrison, and it's still possible a deal could be made to keep the UFA forward in Vancouver.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Matt Cooke to a two-year, $2.4 million contract.

Sources tell TSN that former Maple Leaf Joe Nieuwendyk is scheduled to meet with Toronto general manager Cliff Fletcher this week to discuss joining the team's management group. Nieuwendyk's contract as advisor to Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin expired June 30.

Bruce Garrioch's latest rumours

The latest from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock could become the next coach of the Ottawa Senators. Babcock has the option for next year, but could become a "free agent" if he chooses to. Senators GM Bryan Murray and Babcock have a close relationship, with Murray hiring Babcock as the coach of the Anaheim Ducks.

The Chicago Blackhawks may be shopping Martin Havlat and his $6 million a year contract in the off-season.

The Columbus Blue Jackets may try to acquire San Jose Sharks centre Patrick Marleau in the off-season.

The Los Angeles Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning could make a pitch for impending UFA goaltender Jose Theodore. Garrioch believes that Theodore needs a strong playoff run with the Colorado Avalanche to boost his stock.

Paul Kelly, the NHLPA's executive director, said yesterday the union would be willing to change the CBA to allow Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke's plan for salary retention. Burke has been floating the idea that teams be allowed to pick up as much as $500,000 of a player's contract if the player is moved to another team.

The likelihood of the Atlanta Thrashers shopping defenseman Alexei Zhitnik in the summer is high. Zhitnik has one year left at $3.5 million and has been a healthy scratch several times this season.

The talk out of Philly is that if the Toronto Maple Leafs had traded Tomas Kaberle to the Philadelphia Flyers at the deadline, Toronto would not only have received Jeff Carter in return, they would have gotten a 1st round pick in the deal as well.

Garrioch also speculates in this article that the Ottawa Senators could buy out Ray Emery. Under the terms of the new CBA, Emery, who is 25 and doesn't turn 26 until September, would only be eligible to receive $2.25 million in a buyout because he's under 26. The Senators would be allowed to spread the cap hit over double the remaining term of the deal which means it would cost the club $562,500 per season for four years.

NHL trade rumor update Feb 26 3:00 AM EST

According to Bob McKenzie's blog on TSN.ca, the Chicago Blackhawks sent an email Monday night to the 29 other NHL teams indicating that 8 players were available. These 8 are Nikolai Khabibulin, Martin Havlat, Robert Lang, Tuomo Ruutu, Martin Lapointe, Yanic Perreault, Andrei Zyuzin, and Rene Bourque.

The NHL Experts Blog on Yahoo! is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning will send Brad Richards to the Dallas Stars for Mike Smith, forward Jeff Halpern and defenseman Mark Fistric. The same article quotes a "league executive" as the source. The article also makes the note that the Montreal Canadiens are about to land Atlanta Thrashers forward Marian Hossa, with Michael Ryder going to Atlanta. Rumors are flying that the Habs included young prospect Mikhail Grabovski in the deal. Source

Bruce Garrioch's latest NHL rumors

The rest of the rumours by Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch:

The shortlist of destinations for Atlanta Thrashers forward Marian Hossa appear to be the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks.

Garrioch also believes that the Habs could be pursuing Chicago Blackhawks forward Martin Havlat, along with the New Jersey Devils.

The Ducks may be on the verge of a big trade.

The LA Kings may look to shop forward Mike Cammalleri before the trade deadline.

The Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings are on a 10 team list that have shown an interest in Kings defenseman Rob Blake.

The Rangers have re-signed defenseman Dan Girardi to a 2-year, $3.1 million contract extension. They also signed defenseman Fedor Tyutin to a 4-year, $11.4 million contract extension.

Havlat to San Jose?

There are four teams that are shopping for a top 4 defenseman: The Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators. The Devils have $3.6 million in cap room, and are interested in LA Kings defenseman Brad Stuart, Buffalo Sabres' Brian Campbell and Tampa Lightning's Dan Boyle. The other three teams are also in contention for one of these blue-liners.

The Devils are also targeting Kings forward Ladislav Nagy and Chicago Blackhawks forward Robert Lang. Source

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vaclav Prospal's recent verbal barb against his coach John Tortorella has only increased speculation that he will be gone by the trade deadline. Rumors are that the Nashville Predators and Boston Bruins are interested. Source

The following rumours come from Al Strachan of the Score:

The San Jose Sharks have inquired about Chicago Blackhawks forward Martin Havlat.

Dan Boyle is looking for a $7 million-a-year contract with the Lightning.

The New York Rangers have signed goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to a six-year, $41.25 million contract extension.

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Tomas Fleischmann to a two-year, $1.45 million contract extension.

Sundin for Kesler, Bourdon, Schneider and a 1st?

Team 1040 radio in Vancouver and TSN is reporting a rumour that the asking price for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin is Ryan Kesler, Luc Bourdon, Cory Schneider and a 1st round pick in 2008 from the Canucks.

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that Ottawa Senators coach John Paddock made the four-hour trip to Binghamton from Ottawa after practice on Wednesday to check out the AHL Binghamton Senators in action against the Philadelphia Phantoms. Paddock was there to watch which players would fit on the big club if a roster player was traded. There are rumors that Antoine Vermette, Joe Corvo and Andrej Meszaros could be dealt at the deadline. When asked which players he was looking at, Paddock said: "Any one of the young players. (Alexander) Nikulin and (Ilya) Zubov have each had one game, or a few games up, and Brian Lee, and the goaltenders (Jeff Glass and Brian Elliott). And we know what Lawrence Nycholat can do as a call-up." Source

These following trade rumors are from TSN's Backchecking column:

The Ottawa Sun is reporting that Senators prospects Brian Lee, Ilya Zubov and Nick Foligno could be part of a deal to land a top-6 forward.

The New York Post is reporting that the New Jersey Devils have some cap room available and may target Chicago Blackhawks forwards Robert Lang and Martin Havlat. The paper also reports that they are interested in Edmonton Oilers defenseman Joni Pitkanen.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Red Wings might consider moving Dan Cleary if they can't get him signed to a contract extension, and if the Wings could get a top-six forward in return.

Havlat out indefinitely

Martin Havlat will be sidelined indefinitely with a right shoulder injury. "The doctor is quite confident he can come back and play without surgery," GM Dale Tallon said Friday night. "We're going to let it settle down for a couple of weeks and get the swelling and general soreness down." This means Havlat will miss at least 4 weeks. Source

The Edmonton Oilers have signed GM Kevin Lowe to a four-year extension, as per TSN. Lowe and GM Brian Burke of the Ducks have been in a verbal spar over the Dustin Penner affair, and it's been rumoured that the NHL head office has warned Burke about his comments.

David Tanabe has signed a two-year, $1.5million dollar deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Another Forsberg rumour

According to Marty York, the Edmonton Oilers "haven’t give up their pursuit yet of veteran free agent Peter Forsberg." Forsberg won't be returning until the new year at the earliest. Source

The Swiss newspaper "Blick" is reporting that Patrick Stefan may be close to retiring. Apparently, his injury troubles have followed him to SC Bern.

Martin Havlat suffered a shoulder injury in last night's game. It is the same shoulder he had surgery on two years ago. At last report, he was wearing a sling and will go for MRI tests on Friday.