Hockey and NHL rumors for Sept 14, 2009

The Ottawa Senators traded Dany Heatley and a 5th round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft to the San Jose Sharks for forwards Milan Michalek and Jonathon Cheechoo and a 2nd rounder. Brochu's take: Pretty fair trade, but I always believed in the theory that the team getting the best player always "wins". If Cheechoo can return to at least 30 or so goals a year, this would be a fair trade.

The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed forward Drew Stafford to a 2-year, $4 million contract.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Radek Smolenak to a one-year, two-way deal.

The Bolts have also re-signed defenseman Mike Lundin.

The Edmonton Oilers have officially signed forward Mike Comrie to a one-year contract.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed right wing Derek Dorsett to a two-year contract extension.

The Calgary Flames have invited forward Theoren Fleury to training camp. The 41 year old was recently reinstated by the NHL.

Hockey and NHL rumors for Sept 10, 2009

The St. Louis Blues have signed forward Derek Armstrong to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Boston Bruins have signed defenseman Andy Wozniewski.

The Ottawa Sun is reporting a rumor of a 3-way trade between the San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators and Los Angeles Kings. The deal would send Dany Heatley to the Sharks, Jarret Stoll and Alexander Frolov to Ottawa and Patrick Marleau to the Kings. Brochu's take: You know it's almost hockey season when Bruce Garrioch comes up with his ridiculous rumors. Marleau has a NTC, and probably doesn't want to waive it for a team that's not likely to make the playoffs. Frolov has been a particular favourite of Garrioch rumours. Source

According to an Oilers blog, it's very likely that the Edmonton Oilers will sign forward Mike Comrie to a deal on Friday. There's also some interest from the Atlanta Thrashers. Brochu's take: I wonder if the Oilers fans out there have forgiven him? Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Atlanta Thrashers forward Eric Perrin has signed with KHL team Avangard Omsk.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jiri Novotny has signed with Russian team HK Atlant.

Hockey and NHL rumors for Sept 1, 2009

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forward Brad Staubitz to a one-year contract.

According to Vancouver sources, the Canucks are close to signing goalie Roberto Luongo to a 12-year contract extension worth roughly $64 million. The rumor is that the annual salary cap hit should be in the $5 million range. Brochu's take: A source is saying that it could be announced tomorrow, but it's more than likely sometime this week.

The New York Islanders have traded forward Rob Hennigar to the Carolina Hurricanes for forward Bobby Hughes. Source

TSN is reporting that the Los Angeles Kings are not interested in Ottawa Senators forward Dany Heatley. The San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks remain the most speculated teams in the hunt for the sniper.

Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 5, 2009

According to TSN, the Montreal Canadiens may facilitate a three-way traded involving the San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators, with Dany Heatley being the main player. According to a report in the Ottawa Sun, the Sharks have tabled a package that includes winger Jonathan Cheechoo, along with defenceman Christian Ehrhoff and a first-round selection. Brochu's take: Cheechoo is a shadow of his 56-goal season, so his value is quite low. GM Doug Murray is going to have to up the package if he's going to get Heatley, and not to mention he has to get rid of some salary.

The San Jose Sharks have announced that there will be a press conference on Thursday to confirm the retirement of Jeremy Roenick. Brochu's take: I'm going to miss him. His "wake up, NHL" quote is amongst the best rants in hockey history. That, and throwing the water bottle at the ref.

The Ottawa Senators have signed goalie Brian Elliot to a 2-year contract.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Patrick Eaves to a one-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Janne Pesonen has left the organization and signed with KHL team Ak Bars Kazan. Source

Minnesota Wild goalie Nolan Schaefer has left the organization and signed a deal with Russian team CSKA Moskva (Moscow). Source

Hockey and NHL rumors for July 21, 2009

The San Jose Sharks remain interested in Ottawa Senators forward Dany Heatley. Ken Warren of the Canwest News Service speculates that GM Doug Wilson is still looking to make changes, and the acquistion of Heatley would definitely bring some of that change. Warren suggests that it's possible to trade forwards Patrick Marleau and Jonathon Cheechoo in exchange for the disgruntled forward. Brochu's take: Marleau still has a no trade clause. Value-wise, it's not a bad trade, but Cheechoo is a shadow of his 56-goal season. Marleau's play has improved under coach Richards, but who knows what he will be under coach Clouston. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have re-signed forwards David Spina and Jeff Hoggan, and defenseman Sean Sullivan to contracts. Terms were not disclosed.

The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed defensemen Brett Carson and Bryan Rodney to one-year, two-way contracts.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Los Angeles Kings have signed Slovakian forward Juraj Mikus to a contract. Brochu's take: Mikus could impress. He was once amongst the top scorers in the Slovakian league. Source

The Nashville Predators have signed forward Ben Eaves to a contract. Eaves spent last season with Blues of the Finnish league.

Heatley deal not dead, latest signings

The NHL rumor world was on fire yesterday as news filtered out that the Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers have a deal in place for Dany Heatley, but it was revealed that Heatley did not waive his no trade clause to go to Edmonton. The deal would have sent Dustin Penner, Andrew Cogliano and Ladislav Smid to the Sens in exchange for Heatley. The much-talked $4 million bonus will only be paid after 11:59 PM July 1st (today), so there's still time for the Senators to work out the deal. Brochu's take: TSN is reporting that Heatley has not flat out refused the trade, he has just not done anything. This deal could still be on.

Latest signings: (BTW, I have moved my Twitter gadget up, for easier viewing)

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Colton Orr to a four-year, $4 million contract.

The Florida Panthers have re-signed forward Radek Dvorak to a 2-year, $3.4 million contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed forwar Erik Christensen to a one-year contract.

The Dallas Stars have re-signed forward Jere Lehtinen to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

The New Jersey Devils have re-signed defenseman Johnny Oduya to a three-year, $10.5 million contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 30, 2009

** Hell of a time for Blogger to crap out on me! Look for my updates on the Twitter gadget on your right or find me on Twitter @Brochuishockey ***

According to Mark Spector of Sportsnet, there's a rumor that the Calgary Flames will trade defenseman Dion Phaneuf to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Dany Heatley. Brochu's take: I think Phaneuf is staying in Calgary, since his old coach Brent Sutter is there now. Source

Spector is also saying that the Edmonton Oilers are considering sending defenseman Sheldon Souray to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for blueliner Jack Johnson, and a few "other pieces." Brochu's take: Souray's been rumored to want out of Edmonton, but I think he actually enjoys playing there. I don't think GM Steve Tambellini would want someone of Johnson's questionable character traits on his team.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed forward Bill Guerin to a one-year, $2 million contract extension.

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forwards Mike Weaver and Brad Winchester to one-year, $800,000 contracts.

The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed goalie Peter Budaj to a one-year contract.

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed defenseman Rob Blake to a one-year, $3.5 million contract extension. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 24, 2009

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Dany Heatley has given the Senators a list of around 10 teams that he is willing to be traded to. Sources told Sun Media the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins were among the teams submitted to Murray by Heatley’s agents J.P. Barry and Stacey McAlpine. Garrioch adds that the Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues are taking a "serious look." Brochu's take: It's Garrioch, so take it with a bucket of salt, but he is pretty dialed in with the Senators. The Rangers, Sharks, Red Wings and Blackhawks have serious cap issues, so they can be eliminated. I expect Heatley to be traded at the NHL Entry Draft. Source

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has determined that Oren Koules has the final say in hockey matters with the Tampa Bay Lightning. GM Brian Lawton will remain in charge of team decisions. It's believed Koules and co-owner Len Barrie will have several weeks to work out their differences. Consequently, this increases the speculation that Vincent Lecavalier will be moved, as Koules wants to get the payroll down to around $40 million. Brochu's take: It's been confirmed that at last year's free agency frenzy, both Koules and Barrie, along with Lawton, negotiated contract talks with agents, almost all independently of each other. What a fantastically-run organization!

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Karri Ramo has signed a two-year contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL. It's believed he has a out-clause after one year in Russia. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 18, 2009

The Toronto Maple Leafs can be safely ruled out of the Dany Heatley sweepstakes. In an interview with NHL Live! on the NHL Network, GM Brian Burke expressed his non-interest in the Ottawa Senators player and disdain for the way he has demanded his trade request. Brochu's take: People who live in glass houses shouldn't be throwing stones. Burke took advantage of a similiar situation when he landed Chris Pronger in Anaheim. Source

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed defenseman Alex Goligoski to a three-year contract extension.

The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Quintin Laing to a one-year contract extension.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

KHL team Atlant Mytischi has offered Phoenix Coyotes forward Enver Lisin a two-year contract. Brochu's take: Given the Coyotes financial situation, the likelihood of Lisin leaving for Russia is pretty high. Source

There's a rumor that KHL team Barys Astana has offered a two-year, $6 million contract to Pittsburgh Penguins forward Miroslav Satan. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 16, 2009

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that, according to NHL agents and league sources, the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks are the teams most mentioned in the Dany Heatley trade talks. Brian Campbell's name has been mentioned as a possible trade target. The Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks are also in the running, with the possibility of the Sharks offering Patrick Marleau and Canucks offering Roberto Luongo, respectively. Brochu's take: I thought that Edmonton would be the most logical destination, but a recent report from the Edmonton Sun suggests that Heatley doesn't want to play there. The Hawks would love to get rid of Campbell's salary, but I don't think the Sens are interested. Marleau's name continues to be in the rumor mill, while Luongo will be mentioned in all trade talks until he signs a contract extension. Source

The Minnesota Wild have hired Todd Richards as their new head coach. The 43-year old Richards spent last season as an assistant for the San Jose Sharks under Todd McLellan. The Wild have also announced that assistant GM Tom Lynn will be let go.

The Boston Bruins have re-signed GM Peter Chiarelli to a multi-year contract extension.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed coach Paul Maurice to a three-year contract.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher has officially announced his retirement. Hatcher will now become the Flyers new player development coach.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting that several NHL teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in SKA St. Petersburg goalie Robert Esche.Barry Smith, GM of SKA St Petersburg, confirmed NHL teams have interest in Esche but said he wouldn't release him from his contract until the club found a suitable replacement. Source

Possible Heatley destinations

Here's my list of possible destinations for Dany Heatley, in order of probability:

1. Edmonton

Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray loves Dustin Penner, and this could be the best opportunity to unload the under-performing forward. Penner alone won't make the deal happen, so the Oilers would have to give up either Sam Gagner or Andrew Cogliano and picks to get Heatley. Heatley has also good relations with Hockey Canada and Edmonton management personnel such as Kevin Lowe and Steve Tambellini.

2. Calgary

Heatley was raised in Calgary, so that's one reason. Pay no attention to those ridiculous Dion Phaneuf proposals, but the Flames would have to unload one of their high price contracts in order to fit him in their salary cap.

3. Los Angeles

They have lots of salary cap space, and lots of young assets to trade, such as Alexander Frolov. But the problem is Heatley going to waive his no-movement clause to a team that isn't quite Stanley Cup material?

4. St. Louis

They're looking to make a big splash on the free agent market, but getting Heatley would just be as good. They have a lot of good, young players and plenty of cap space.

5. Vancouver

It's looking unlikely that the Sedin twins will re-sign, so that frees up two top-6 spots and lots of salary cap space. However, the Canucks lack tradeable young assets. Heatley does own an off-season home in Kelowna, BC but I think that's not a huge factor.

Wildcard: Tampa Bay

The only way this would work is a straight Heatley for Lecavalier deal, which would offset each other's big salary cap hit. However, I wouldn't put anything pass Oren Koules and Len Barrie.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 10, 2009

Forward Dany Heatley has asked the Ottawa Senators for a trade. Heatley, who still has 5 years at $7.5 million a year left on his contract extension, let the team know of his intentions last week. GM Bryan Murray is aware of the request, but expects Heatley to honour the contract. There's speculation that the 28 year old would like to play in the Western Conference. Brochu's take: I will have a full breakdown of Heatley and possible destinations tomorrow. Source

According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, the New York Rangers have made forward Scott Gomez available. The Los Angeles Kings could be in the running. Brochu's take: I'm thinking the Edmonton Oilers would be interested, especially with old coach Tom Renney behind the bench. And Edmonton is a lot closer to Alaska than New York. Source

LeBrun also states that the Kings are interested in Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan Smyth, who is also being shopped.

Brent Sutter has officially stepped down as coach of the New Jersey Devils, citing a homesickness for his family and WHL team, the Red Deer Rebels. Speculation continues to swirl that he will join his older brother Darryl in Calgary, but Sutter is non-committal to the idea. Brochu's take: Sutter will be signing a contract with the Flames in 3.....2.....1....

Judge Redfield T. Baum said during the bankruptcy court hearing Tuesday that he believes the NHL has a right to demand payment for its territorial rights in Hamilton. The relocation fee could possibly reach $100 million, but the exact amount could be decided in mediation. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Andrew Kozek to an entry-level contract. Kozek was the Thrashers' 2nd round choice in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

The Thrashers also re-signed defenseman Anssi Salmela to a multi-year contract extension.

The New York Rangers have signed forward Chris Doyle to a three-year, entry-level contract. Doyle was the Rangers's 5th round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Emery gone, Spezza for Luongo?

Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray revealed that goaltender Ray Emery will not be with the team next season. "My plan is not to have him back," Murray told reporters, "I told him (Emery) yesterday that the plan right now would be to investigate possible options for him," Murray said. "Meaning, to look for another team that is willing to make a trade." Murray also took the time to say that he will not trade Jason Spezza or Dany Heatley. Brochu's take: Emery was a major factor in the Senator's collapse this season. He will likely be gone via buyout, as few teams are interested in Emery. Source

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting a rumour of a blockbuster deal involving sending Jason Spezza to the Vancouver Canucks for Roberto Luongo. Brochu's take: Isn't this the "rumor" that Al Strachan said on CBC? Anything can happen, but there's about a 99.9995% chance that this trade would not happen. Source

Rumours continue to fly about who will become the new GM of the Vancouver Canucks. The Aquilini ownership group has already contacted Doug Armstrong, Neil Smith and John Muckler, while the frontrunners seem to be former agents Mike Gillis and Brian Lawton. The name of Kevin Cheveldayoff, the GM of the AHL Chicago Wolves, has been tossed around in NHL circles as well.

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Dan Bertram and defenseman Mike Brennan to entry-level contracts. Both players had just won the NCAA Division I hockey championship with Boston College.

Heatley, Senators close to deal?

According to TSN and other sources, Dany Heatley may be close to a contract extension with the Ottawa Senators. Talks broke off late Tuesday, but they will resume tomorrow. Heatley has stated he wants the deal done before the self-imposed deadline of Wednesday night. Heatley is seeking an $8+ million a year contract and the two parties seem to be stuck on discussions of a no trade clause and term. Asked if trade was an option, GM Bryan Murray said "I guess anything’s an option." Source

The "Tages-Anzeiger" newspaper is reporting Bryan Muir may be signing with EHC Basel in Switzerland. Muir was released from the Maple Leafs training camp this week. Also, the paper is reporting that David Tanabe will most likely not be signing with Basel, citing a lack of money and Tanabe's wife not willing to move overseas.

According to The Globe and Mail, Glen Sather turned down a five-year contract extension with the New York Rangers during the summer and may be leaving the NHL for good after this season. This could open the door for Mark Messier, who has been campaigning for an executive job in the league. Source

Redden to Chicago?

According to the Daily Herald, GM Dale Tallon has quietly inquired about Wade Redden. Redden is due to be a UFA after this season, but has a no trade clause. It's believed that Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith would go the other way. Source

TSN is reporting that the Dany Heatley contract negotiations has reached an impasse. Heatley's camp wants $8.5 million a year, while the Senators are countering with $7 million. Heatley has said that if negotiations are not finished before the season starts, he will not have any contract talks during the year.

Karel Pilar has been picked up on waivers by the Chicago Blackhawks. The Atlanta Thrashers put him on waivers earlier this week.

Cloutier waived, Gerber to Kings?

Various sources have confirmed that the LA Kings have waived Dan Cloutier. If no one picks up him up, his $3.1 million dollar contract will come off the cap and Cloutier will most likely spend the season in the minors. There is some serious speculation that Martin Gerber will be heading to LA, and a deal could be finalized this week. LA would probably send draft picks the other way.

There's speculation that Kyle Wellwood will miss some time with a groin tweak. Darren Dreger of TSN is also reporting that Dany Heatley is seeking an $8 million a year contract, for six years. As well, Marian Hossa may wait until the summer and gauge his worth on the open UFA market. Source

Senators updates

Mike Fisher has signed a 5 year, $21 million extension. Fisher, 27, scored 22 goals and 26 assists in 68 games with the Senators last year. Source

According to the Toronto Sun, Curtis Joseph could be signed as the backup to Ray Emery in Ottawa. This would only happen if they can find a buyer for Martin Gerber's hefty contract.

The Ottawa Sun speculates that Jeff O'Neill has had talks with the Senators, and are discussing a contract.

Dany Heatley may wait until the end of the season to negotiate a new contract, or test his worth on the free agent market. Heatley, who has scored 50 goals in each of the last two years, may command a max contract of $9-10 million, depending on the cap.

Sami Salo will be out "week-to-week" with a hairline fracture to his wrist, according to the Team 1040 in Vancouver.

Jamie Langenbrunner may miss a large part of the season due to his groin injury. There is speculation that he could miss several months of action.