NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 29, 2008

Marty York of Metro News is reporting rumors that the Edmonton Oilers are trying to trade a goaltender for a "hard-nosed forward. or two." York quotes two NHL sources that the Oilers are dangling one of their three goalies as trade bait. The Oilers currently have Dwayne Roloson, Mathieu Garon and Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers on their roster. Brochu's take: I doubt that the Oilers are shopping Garon or Drouin-Deslauriers, but they have been shopping Roloson for a long time. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have claimed defenseman Ken Klee off re-entry waivers from the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks will pick up half of Klee's salary.

The Florida Panthers have signed free agent defenseman Jassen Cullimore to a one-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Defenseman Konstantin Pushkarev has signed with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Russian KHL. The Dallas Stars released Pushkarev earlier this month.

Russian sources are reporting that the Colorado Avalanche may be interested in signing goaltender Ray Emery once the KHL season is over. Brochu's take: There may be better goalies available next summer.

Poll Results:

Should the NHL expand to Europe?

Yes	14 (10%)
No	114 (82%)
Who cares?	10 (7%)

Total votes: 138

Thanks to everyone who voted in the polls!!

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 28, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have placed defenseman Ken Klee on re-entry waivers.

The Atlanta Thrashers have placed forward Mike Hoffman on waivers.

According to Tim Sassone's "Between the Circles" blog on the Chicago Daily Herald website, the Chicago Blackhawks are one of the teams interested in Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza., who is rumored to be on the block. Brochu's take: I thought the Spezza rumors died down once he signed that huge extension. Again, the small issue of the salary cap stands in the way of this rumour. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 22, 2008

TSN is reporting that the Minnesota Wild have already offered forward Marian Gaborik to another team, but the unspecified NHL executive was not interested. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings are the frontrunners to land the Slovakian star. Brochu's take: It took the mainstream media quite some time to "officially" report this rumor. I see a Marian Hossa situation, where teams will outbid each other until someone comes up with a ridiculous offer like the Penguins did. (Incidentally, it's another high-scoring Slovakian forward that's on the market this year.) Keep checking Brochu is Hockey for the latest on Gaborik. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have claimed forward Matt Pettinger off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks.

The St. Louis Blues have claimed forward David Koci off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The 'Bolts have also put forward Jason Ward on waivers.

The Anaheim Ducks have put defenseman Ken Klee on waivers.

The New York Rangers have placed forward Patrick Rissmiller on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Minnesota Wild forward Petr Kalus has left the organization and will play in Europe. He still has two years left on his contract, and it's still possible, though unlikely, he may come back to North America. Rumor is that he will play with HC Vitkovice. Source

The Washington Capitals have re-assigned goaltender Michal Neuvirth to HC Ocelari Trinec of the Czech Extraliga. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 27, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenseman Mathieu Schneider to the Atlanta Thrashers for defenseman Ken Klee, and forwards Brad Larsen and Chad Painchaud. Brochu's take: This should be enough room for Selanne, but there is probably one or two more moves for GM Brian Burke to make.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed forward Tyler Kennedy to a two-year contract extension.

The New York Rangers have released forward Petr Nedved. Nedved was cut from the roster before the team's trip to the Czech Republic.

The Dallas Stars have signed defenseman Guillaume Monast to a three-year contract and defenseman Trevor Ludwig to a two-year contract. They have also released defenseman Nolan Pratt.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed forwards Zenon Konopka and Brandon Bochenski on waivers. Source