NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 31, 2009

The Globe and Mail is reporting that Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis's patience might be running out. "Your patience level is obviously determined by how you're playing," Gillis said. "My patience is at an end with the way this group has performed." Rumors have abounded that coach Alain Vigneault will be fired at the end of the current home stand, but Gillis has assured his coach that his job is safe. Meanwhile, Sportsnet is reporting that Pat Quinn and Vancouver Giants coach Don Hay have been rumoured to be coaching candidates. Brochu's take: There's a lot of pressure on the Canucks to make the playoffs, and since trades are so hard to come by, firing the coach would be the easiest option. Source

According to CKNW radio in Vancouver, the Canucks could be interested in Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Mathieu Schneider.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are shopping for an experienced backup with the loss of Olaf Kolzig for the season, and they could be interested in Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala. Toskala's name has been in the rumour mill lately. Brochu's take: I don't think the Bolts will had that much salary for a backup.

Peter Forsberg has ruled a return to the NHL this season, but has left the door open for a return in the 2009-2010 season. "There won't be any NHL this season, that's totally clear,'' Forsberg told Swedish television station SVT. ''If I can play it will be in the (Swedish) Elite League and MODO.'' Forsberg has actually signed for Modo, but won't know when he will play for them, due to his lingering foot problems. Brochu's take: So much for those Forsberg rumors, at least for this season. And if you're wondering, he cannot play at all for the NHL this season after signing with MODO, as the Swedish season ends sometime after the NHL trade deadline. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed forward Joel Perrault on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Josef Hrabal, who declined an assignment to the ECHL Stockton Thunder, has been loaned to SEL club MODO. Source

European rumor update May 31, 2008

TSN is citing a report in the Toronto Star stating that ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose is set to return behind the bench as the new coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. According to the Star, incoming team owner Oren Koules has pushed for the hiring of Melrose in an effort to further sell the team and the sport in Florida. His group is awaiting approval from the NHL's Board Of Governors to take over the team, with the vote set to take place on June 18. Brochu's take: This would mean the end of John Tortorella's reign in Tampa, which will free him up nicely to take over the Ottawa Senators vacant coaching job. Source

According to reports from Denmark, prospect Peter Regin has signed a contract with the Ottawa Senators. Source

The Senators have also re-signed forward Jesse Winchester to a two-year contract extension. Source

The Calgary Flames have signed forward Hugo Carpentier to a three-year, entry-level contract. Source

The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Josef Hrabal to a two-year, entry-level contract. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Philadelphia Flyers forward Denis Tolpeko has signed with Dynamo Moskva (Moscow) of the KHL in Russia for the 2008-2009 season. Source

There are rumors that Boston Bruins forward Glen Metropolit has received offers from several Continental Hockey League (KHL) teams. Source

Several German teams have made offers to Anaheim Ducks forward Jason King. Source

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Kyle Wanvig could be joining Amur Tigers Khabarovsk in Russia. Source