European rumor update for May 16, 2008

Here's the big version of Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Lars Jonsson has signed with Brynäs of the Swedish Elite League for the 2008-2009 season. Source

Los Angeles Kings forward Matt Ryan has signed with Augsburg Panther of the DEL in Germany. Source

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Alain Nasreddine has signed with Nürnberg/Sinupret Ice Tigers of the DEL.

Montreal Canadiens forward Jonathan Ferland has signed with Austrian club Villacher SV.

Phoenix Coyotes forward Joey Tenute has signed with Jokerit of the Finnish SM-Liiga.

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Jonas Junland to an entry-level contract. Source

NHL rumors for April 16, 2008

Publications across Canada are jumping in on who exactly will become the new GM for the Vancouver Canucks. Owner Francesco Aquilini described in his press conference he wanted someone with experience and leadership; someone with no-excuses. The Vancouver Province is reporting that Anaheim Ducks' senior VP of hockey operations Bob Murray is the frontrunner for the job. Rumors are flying around the NHL that Jim Nill, Ken Holland, Neil Smith, Brian Lawton, John Muckler and Mike Gillis are leading candidates as well. Brochu's take: This should be an interesting few months before the trade deadline. My feeling is that Aquilini will go with someone that's well established. Nill and Holland aren't going anywhere, despite idle speculation by Vancouver media, as they just signed long-term contract extensions with the Detroit Red Wings. Source

There are rumours that hotshot Swedish prospect Fabian Brunnstrom could be "reconsidering" his decision to sign with the Canucks. The Detroit Red Wings are back in the running to land him, according to MLive.com. Brochu's take: Dave Nonis was one of the main factors that Brunnstrom wanted to sign with Vancouver. Could Brunnstrom be lost because of the Nonis fallout?

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Jamie Tardif to a two-year, entry-level contract.

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

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Tomas Popperle will leave the organization and has signed with HC Sparta Praha of the Czech Extraliga for the 2008-2009 season. Source

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Lars Jonsson will leave the organization and return to Sweden for next year. Source

There are rumours that Edmonton Oilers prospect Jonas Almtorp could be returning to Sweden for the 2008-2009 season. Source

European rumors update

Here's the latest rumours from Europe, which have been collected from various European sources in the past few days. This is the big version of Brochu's European round-up:

New York Rangers forward Jaromir Jagr has said that he would come to Russia to play his last years of the career. He said that he gave his "word" to play in Russia and wanted to play for Avangard Omsk, whose chairman stated that they would do everything they can to bring Jagr to Omsk. Jagr played for Avangard in the 2004-2005 lockout year. Source

Denik Sport (A Czech newspaper) reported that Columbus Blue Jacket forward David Vyborny is rumoured to have signed a contract with Sparta Praha of the Czech Extraliga. Vyborny has stated that Sparta and Swiss club Lugano are his preferred destinations if he returned overseas. Vyborny played for Sparta during the lockout and his father is currently the head coach. Thanks to vakfan over at Southern Bohemian Ho(c)ke(y)j for the link! Source

There are rumours that New York Islanders prospect Jesse Joensuu will leave his team Ässät in Finland and come to North America for the remainder of the season. Source

According to Swiss newspaper Giornale del Popolo, both Chicago Blackhawks forward Martin St. Pierre and Atlanta Thrashers minor-leaguer Jason Krog could be joining HC Lugano this season. Source

Swedish defensive prospect Lars Jonsson is rumored to be leaving the Philadelphia Phantoms (Flyers AHL affilate) and could sign with one of four SEL teams; Färjestad, Leksand, HV71 and Linköping. Source