NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 16, 2009

Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg denied a report by CBC's Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman that he's turned down a 10-year, $75-million contract offer from the team. "No, it's not (accurate)," Zetterberg said Thursday. "Usually I don't want to comment on that, but that's not true. I haven't turned down an offer of $75 million." The Red Wings and their Swedish star have been negotiating on and off since last June, but there has been no sense of urgency from either side. Brochu's take: Interesting that Zetterberg took the time to dismiss the report. A deal will be done, it's just a matter of time. Source

According to the Toronto Star, Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is still looking to make trades, but nothing has been interesting. Burke was in Boston watching defenceman Matt Gilroy of the Boston University Terriers, probably the most sought-after U.S. college free agent available this spring. Burke wants to sign around five college free agents, hoping two will make it. On the NHL front, the Leafs are rumored to be shopping defenseman Anton Stralman. Brochu's take: FYI, this blog will be updated frequently AFTER the trade deadline, when college free agents are usually signed (March-April). Other rumor sites tend to shut down by then, but not here. Source

The New York Islanders have signed goaltender Wade Dubielewicz to a one-year, $500,000 pro-rated contract. Brochu's take: I believe he still has to clear waivers before he can play for the Islanders.

In other Islanders news, the team has agreed in principle with the Los Angeles Kings to play an exhibition game in Kansas City in September for the 2009-2010 NHL season. However, according to league sources this game could be perceived as a veiled threat of potential relocation if plans for a new arena on Long Island aren’t soon finalized. Brochu's take: Kansas City has been in the running for an NHL franchise for years, ever since they offered free rent to the Pittsburgh Penguins a few years ago. They have an arena with no anchor tenant. Source

The Ottawa Senators announced Thursday that goaltender Martin Gerber has been send down to the AHL's Binghamton Senators on a two-week conditioning assignment. Brochu's take: We may have seen the last of Gerber in a Sens uniform.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Free agent defenseman Keith Carney has signed with SC Bern of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Carney had "retired" from the NHL earlier this season. Source

Tjarnqvist, Vaananen to Linkoping?

Linköping HC in Sweden have offered Ossi Vaananen a contract. It's believed several Swedish teams are also calling him, but Väänänen still wants to see if he can secure an NHL contract. "I would estimate it to 50 percent chance that he plays in the top [Swedish] division" said Väänänen's agent, Claes Elefalk. Vaananen was rumoured to be signing with HC Davos. Source

Linköping is also interested in Daniel Tjarnqvist. "We have an opening in our budget and our team." said Linkoping GM Johan Hemlin. Tjärnqvist was rumoured to be close to signing with Djurgården. Source

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the NHL will make changes to its schedule for the 2008-2009 season. There will be less divisional games, and each team will play each other at least twice. Also, the meetings that took place on Tuesday indicate that expansion will also be discussed, where representatives from Seattle, Winnipeg, Las Vegas and Kansas City will make their presentations to the league owners.