NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 24, 2008

In an interview with Russian newspaper Sport Express, Maxim Afinogenov denies that he will leave the Buffalo Sabres in mid-season, but is open to the idea of playing in the KHL after his contract expires. Afinogenov wants to the stay in the NHL, but looking at all offers. "It is probably the worst period in my career, and it is difficult to do anything when you play five minutes a game. But let’s see, the deadline is soon [4 March] and then something should happen." Afinogenov said. Brochu's take: Even Afinogenov recognizes that he will be traded soon. I expect a deal to be made closer to the deadline, which will maximize the return for Buffalo. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes franchise is in serious financial straits, and it's been rumored that the NHL will take over the team. Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes' trucking business has been hit hard by the economic meltdown, and it's been reported that the Coyotes's assets and revenue have been used as collateral for a major loan. Brochu's take: Before everyone calls for the franchise to return to Winnipeg, the existing lease with the city of Glendale pretty much prevents the team from relocating. However, the league is rumoured to be negotiating a change in that lease. Source

According to Rich Hammond of the LA Kings blog "Inside the Kings", the Kings were interested in acquiring Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, but the talks fell through earlier this week. Brochu's take: Khabibulin's strong play of late has made it hard for the Hawks to deal him. But at the same time, Khabby's value has been higher. Remember, he was on waivers earlier this season. Source

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph has played down rumors that he will retire after this season. Instead, he has concentrated on getting his games whenever possible. Source

Lightning sign Vrbata, Leafs sign Joseph

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Radim Vrbata to a three-year, $9 million contract. Brochu's take: The Lightning are amassing an impressive group of forwards. But what about their defensive core? There are also question marks in goaltending.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed goalie Curtis Joseph to a one-year, $800,000 contract.

Liles for Ladd?, Joseph update

According to a report in the Raleigh News and Observer, the Carolina Hurricanes have targeted Colorado Avalanche defenseman John-Michael Liles as their answer to a power-play quarterback. The Hurricanes would love to unload forward Andrew Ladd. Source

The media in Toronto senses blood in the water and there could be a lot of personnel movement in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. The Globe and Mail is reporting that GM John Ferguson Jr. will be fired this season, possibly as early as next week. The board will conduct an emergency meeting today or tomorrow, where issues of trades and the future of Ferguson and coach Paul Maurice will be discussed.

The Leafs have also claimed forward Dominic Moore off waivers from the Minnesota Wild.

TSN is reporting that goaltender Curtis Joseph is down to two teams for which he may sign with. The Calgary Flames and San Jose Sharks have emerged as front-runners in the Joseph sweepstakes. **3:13 PST update** TSN is now reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers have made late inquiries about CuJo, which could delay his decision by a few days. Source

Another Hawks trade imminent?

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon is not done trading and may make a move as early as Friday. He has made several roster alterations to try to pull his club out of their seven game losing streak. "There's a strong possibility there will be a trade shortly," Tallon said Thursday night. "We're looking to get more of a veteran on the back end to help our kids and somebody who fits into our plans." The Hawks already made a move Thursday and could try to bring in a bigger-named defenseman. "We're looking at our options," Tallon added. "Whether it's a big deal or not, it has to make sense for us. We're building something for the future here." Source

According to radio reports in Chicago, the Hawks could also be looking at Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle. Boyle is expected to return sometime in late January after being out with a wrist injury.

The following rumours are from Marty York of Metro News:

Sources are saying that the Ottawa Senators are close to trading defenseman Wade Redden, fearing his impending free agency. Perhaps Chicago?

The Sens could also be offering a contract to goaltender Curtis Joseph.

The Calgary Flames could "bring in" defenseman Bryan Marchment and forward Stephane Matteau. However, both are retired and Marchment is currently a scout for the San Jose Sharks.

There is speculation that Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen and GM/Coach Jacques Martin are not getting along.

Forsberg, Selanne to return in February?

According to the Courier Post, Peter Forsberg is expected to resume light skating this week in Sweden, and if all goes well, "sign with an NHL team sometime in early February." Philadelphia Flyers president Peter Luukko and general manager Paul Holmgren were made aware of the news on Friday while attending the World Junior Championships in Pardubice, Czech Republic. "Sure, we're interested," Luukko said. "We knew he had his procedure done and then he was going to try skating. It's going to be his call." Source

Teemu Selanne has been skating in full gear at Anaheim Ice lately, and there is word that he may be looking at a February return, according to the official Anaheim Ducks blog. A picture of Selanne at the facility surfaced late Thursday, as seen here. Credit to allducks.com for breaking the story. Source

During the intermission of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, analyst Scott Morrison stated on the program "Hotstove" that four teams have talked to Curtis Joseph to discuss if they fit into their respective team.

Morrison also reported that the Dallas Stars have reached an extension deal with forward Mike Ribeiro. The contract is rumored to be in the 3 year, $ 16 million range.

The Los Angeles Time is reporting that the LA Kings may be ready for a fire sale. Defenseman Rob Blake, who has been in the rumour mill lately, regrettably agrees. "Unfortunately, we're probably going to be in that type of position. We would've rather been battling for a playoff spot." Source

Billionaire interested in buying the Leafs?

Toronto billionaire Alex Shnaider, a one-time owner in the Formula One auto racing circuit, has expressed interest in buying the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Toronto Star is reporting that Shnaider has been consulting with bank and industry contacts about how much money it would take to buy the Leafs and it's parent company, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Source

Meanwhile, in Edmonton, Daryl Katz's bid to buy the Edmonton Oilers has stalled, after the Edmonton Investors Group (EIG) recommended a rejection of Katz's $188 million offer to purchase the team. Sources say the board is stalling so that the opposing shareholders could be bought out. Katz's offer expires January 31st, and the board recommendation is expected to come on the 21st.

There are rumours swirling in Toronto that the Maple Leafs will waive goaltender Andrew Raycroft, and will try to sign UFA Curtis Joseph as a veteran backup.

Speculation is rampant that Minnesota Wild defenseman Keith Carney will once again be on the block at the trade deadline.

Simon Gamache has expressed his frustrations with the Toronto Maple Leafs and would prefer to play in Switzerland. "If I'm not with the Leafs, then I would rather go back to Switzerland. As soon as possible. I'm not having fun in the minors. I don't want to be in the minors. Like I said, if that is the case, I might as well be in Switzerland and resume things there." Source

Cheechoo available?

The Beaver County Times & Allegheny Times is reporting that San Jose Sharks forward Jonathan Cheechoo is being shopped. Cheechoo is signed through 2010-11, and makes $3 million a year. The article is also stating that there is a rumor that Cheechoo could be swapped for Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar. The Edmonton Oilers are also reportedly in the running for Cheechoo. Source

Sergei Samsonov cleared waivers on Monday and the Chicago Blackhawks have called him on re-entry waivers. Coach Denis Savard has said that he would only be called up if there were teams interested in picking him up. There's speculation that the Carolina Hurricanes and the San Jose Sharks could pick up the Russian winger. Source

Curtis Joseph continues to be in the rumor mill after his strong performance with Team Canada at the Spengler Cup. The usual teams have been mentioned, but Pittsburgh remains the most hotly rumoured destination.

Gordie Dwyer has been cut by the Portland Pirates (Anaheim Ducks AHL affiliate) and has signed with the Schwenningen Wild Wings of the ASSTEL-Bundesliga in Germany, one division under the DEL. Source

Poll Results:

Who will win the 2008 IIHF World U20 Championship?

Canada	129 (75%)
Czech Republic	3 (1%)
Denmark	1 (0%)
Finland	4 (2%)
Kazakhstan	0 (0%)
Russia	3 (1%)
Slovakia	0 (0%)
Sweden	8 (4%)
Switzerland	0 (0%)
USA	24 (13%)

Total Votes: 172

Devils in trade talks?

According to the Star-Ledger, New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello missed the game in Vancouver on Wednesday because he was attempting to make a trade prior to last night's midnight holiday roster freeze. It's possible that he could have a trade ready when the freeze ends on December 27. Source

Jeff Gordon of STLtoday.com is speculating that the St. Louis Blues are likely to make more moves this season, and could possibly bring back Minnesota Wild forward Pavol Demitra to the Blues. In order to do this, the Blues would have to get some of their contracts off the books, such as Jay McKee ($4 million), Martin Rucinsky ($3 million) and Christian Backman ($2.2 million). Source

Gordon is also reporting rumors that the Blues could bring in UFA Curtis Joseph as "stretch-run insurance", depending on how Joseph does at the Spengler Cup.

In other Devils news, they have signed forward Brad Snetsinger to his first professional contract, the team announced yesterday. The undrafted 20 year old is in his third year with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL. Also, forward Jari Viuhkola has left the AHL Lowell Devils and has been re-assigned to Kärpät Oulu of the SM-Liiga in Finland. Source

University of Minnesota sophomore Kyle Okposo has made the decision to forgo the remainder of the 2007-08 season and his career with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers following the World Junior Hockey Championship where he will play for Team USA. The New York Islanders have begun negotiations with Okposo on an entry-level contract. Source

Pittsburgh looking for goaltending?

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury will miss six to eight weeks with a high ankle sprain injury. Coach Michel Therrien does not expect the club to add another goaltender, but rumors are flying that the Pens may take another look at UFA Curtis Joseph. There's also speculation that the Penguins have called the Toronto Maple Leafs about veteran Scott Clemmensen, who is playing with the Leafs AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies. Source

According to the San Jose Mercury News Sharks Blog, scouts from three teams were at the San Jose Sharks-Minnesota Wild game on Tuesday. These teams were the Atlanta Thrashers, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. Source

Boston Bruins goaltender Manny Fernandez had knee surgery on Wednesday and will most likely be out for the rest of the season. Source

On Craig Custance's Thrashers Blog on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution website, the recent move of placing forward Darren Haydar on waivers (he has since cleared) has created "flexibility" for GM Don Waddell. This could mean bringing up another player from the AHL or creating a roster spot for a player acquired via trades. Source

According to the 110% radio show on TQS in Montreal, a Quebec billionaire is interested in buying the Montreal Canadiens. Citing a source, the billionaire would want more players from Quebec and Canada to play for the team. Jean Perron is also stating that current owner George Gillet persuaded GM Bob Gainey to stay on, as Gainey wanted to step down after the disappearance of his daughter.

Poll Results:

Who will be the next NHL coach to be fired?

Paul Maurice	90 (32%)
Michel Therrien	56 (20%)
Jacques Martin	9 (3%)
Marc Crawford	34 (12%)
Mike Keenan	78 (28%)
Other	10 (3%)

Total Votes: 277

Big rumour update, part 1

There are lots of trade rumours flying around lately, so stayed tuned for part 2 later today.

Marty York of Metro News is reporting that sources are saying that the Ottawa Senators are dangling Joe Corvo, Antoine Vermette and Andrej Meszaros to teams such as the Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers.

The Calgary Flames are looking for something to shake up their hockey team, and York is saying they may consider making a trade or two before firing coach Mike Keenan.

In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Daryl Sydor of the Pittsburgh Penguins admits he has heard rumors of the Penguins trying to trade him. "They know I'm not happy," Sydor said. "They got me here for a reason, and I'd like to help them. But that's not working out right now, and I don't think they can have my contract and a healthy scratch." Source

In other Penguins news, Scott Burnside of ESPN is reporting that GM Ray Shero have told UFA goaltender Curtis Joseph that they are happy with Dany Sabourin and Marc-Andre Fleury, at least for the time being.

Burnside is also reporting that the Anaheim Ducks may have interest in Mark Recchi, who is still being shopped by the Pens. Source

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal wonders if a package of Jiri Hudler, Jakub Kindl and a 2nd rounder in 2008 from the Detroit Red Wings could pry Mats Sundin from the Toronto Maple Leafs, if Sundin becomes available. Source

The NHL has reportedly put the Philadelphia Flyers on notice. The league handed Flyers forward Riley Cote a three-game suspension on Monday for his match penalty following a high head shot to Dallas Stars defenceman Matt Niskanen Saturday night. "I talked to (Gary Bettman) today," Holmgren told the Philadelphia Daily News. "He thinks, like I do, that these are different coincidences, different situations, that have to be viewed differently, but the question was raised about ramifications if it happens again. So obviously we're under watch." No word on yet if Bettman has put the Flyers on double secret probation.

Oilers looking at Kolzig, Leafs lining up GMs?

All the following rumors come from the one and only, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Olaf Kolzig is being "coveted" by the Edmonton Oilers to shore up their goaltending. Kolzig will be UFA at the end of the season. Garrioch claims the Oilers are unhappy with the performance of both Mathieu Garon and Dwayne Roloson.

If Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. is fired this season, Leafs management will be seeking star power for his replacement. Garrioch is reporting that an NHL executive told him that "if they're going to put somebody into that seat who hasn't done it before, they need to have a marquee name." Mark Messier, Steve Yzerman, Ron Francis and Glenn Healy are considered to be top candidates for the job.

GM George McPhee of the Washington Capitals may be the next on the chopping block in D.C. Garrioch is saying "the whisper is owner Ted Leonsis has already initiated the search for a new GM and all McPhee is doing is keeping the seat warm." The list of candidates includes Brian Lawton, and TSN analysts Pierre McGuire and Mike Milbury.

Michel Therrien's days behind the Pittsburgh Penguins bench could be numbered. The talk is players are getting tired of Therrien's constant yelling and screaming. There's talk GM Ray Shero might be willing to take a chance on the AHL Rochester Americans coach Randy Cunneyworth.

The Penguins have quietly been looking for a goalie with Marc-Andre Fleury struggling. The word is they've contacted UFA Curtis Joseph, who's been skating at his Toronto-area home.

Christian Backman available?

According to Andy Strickland on ESPN radio in St. Louis, Christian Backman is being shopped. The big defenseman from Sweden has 1 assist in 5 games with the Blues this season.

Peter Sejna has signed with ZSC Lions in Switzerland. The 28 year old former Hobey Baker Award winner was unable to secure an NHL contract. Sejna played 22 games for the Blues last season, scoring 3 goals and 1 assist. Source

Bob McKenzie of TSN has speculated that Penguins GM Ray Shero is looking to upgrade his goaltending situation. Marc-Andre Fleury's poor play, along with the unreliable Dany Sabourin, seem to be the reasons for this. McKenzie has speculated that Curtis Joseph, Ilya Bryzgalov, Andrew Raycroft, Jaroslav Halak and Martin Gerber could be possible answers to Pittsburgh's goaltending problems. Source

Former NHLer Aleksandr Karpovtsev has left his team Sibir Novosibirsk in Russia. It's believed he has left due to injuries and may retire very soon.

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.