Hockey and NHL rumors for Dec 9, 2009

The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded forward Pascal Pelletier to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenceman Brendan Bell and centre Tomas Kana.

The Florida Panthers have placed defenseman Ville Koistinen on re-entry waivers.

Both Carolina Hurricanes goalie Michael Leighton and New York Islanders forward Jeremy Reich have cleared waivers.

Recchi available?

According to PJ Stock on the Team 990 in Montreal, Mark Recchi's days as a Pittsburgh Penguin could soon be over. Recchi has struggled early this season and was a healthy scratch last Thursday. There are rumors that the veterans on the Penguins were unhappy with the move and coach Michel Therrien could be the next NHL coach to be fired this season.

The New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning will be opening the 2008-2009 season with a two-game series in Prague. The Czech promoters were able to come up with the funds to cover the Rangers' revenue from the one home game at MSG. Source

Darren Pang of Fox Sports Arizona is reporting that Scott Niedermayer may be returning by December 10.

Brochu's European round-up:

Juuso Riksman has left the St. Louis Blues AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen, saying he wants to return to Europe. Riksman has been suspended by the team. Source

Forward Tomas Kana has left the Blues ECHL affiliate, the Alaska Aces, and signed with HC Vitkovice of the Czech Extraliga. Source