Hockey and NHL Rumors for Sept 29, 2010

With Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding out for the season, there have been rumors swirling as to what the Wild will do with their backup situation.  Free agent goalie Jose Theodore's agent Don Meehan has contacted the Wild to see if they are interested in his client.  As well, there are rumors that the Wild are looking at San Jose Sharks goalie Thomas Greiss.  Brochu's take:  It's surprising that Theodore wasn't even given a tryout by any NHL team.  His experience could be a good compliment to Nicklas Backstrom.  Source

The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Mike Mottau to a two-year, $1.6 million contract.

The Islanders have also invited several players late to their training camp, as forwards Dean McAmmond, Krys Kolanos, Jed Ortmeyer, defenseman Anders Eriksson, and goalie Manny Legace have been given professional tryout contracts.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed forward Luke Walker to an entry-level contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for July 17, 2009

The Colorado Avalanche have acquired defenseman Brian Fahey from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Nigel Williams.

The Avs have also signed 2009 NHL first round pick Matt Duchene to a three-year, entry level contract.

The New Jersey Devils have signed forwards Nathan Perkovich and Patrice Cormier to contracts.

The Calgary Flames have claimed forward Nigel Dawes off waivers from the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Nicholas Deschamps to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Toni Rajala to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Oil have also signed defenseman Dean Arsene to a one-year contract.

The Nashville Predators have signed forward Peter Olvecky to a one-year deal.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Krys Kolanos to a one-year deal.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 29, 2009

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in re-acquiring forward Colby Armstrong from the Atlanta Thrashers. Dreger adds that GM Ray Shero may also be shopping defenseman Ryan Whitney, as the Pens are looking for a top-line forward. Brochu's take: Dreger lists more names, but those players have been rumored for quite some time. No point in reporting the same rumor again and again. Source

The Calgary Sun is reporting that it's a given that Flames forward Michael Cammalleri will sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer, and the impending unrestricted free agent will garner a contract almost equal to teammate Jarome Iginla. Brochu's take: Cammalleri's strong play will get him a good contract, but I don't think he will get Iggy money. I would say a deal in the $5-$5.5 million range. Source

The Calgary Herald is reporting "internet rumours" that the Anaheim Ducks will trade defenseman Chris Pronger to the Flames.

According to Al Strachan on the Score, there is definite speculation that the Anaheim Ducks are shopping Chris Pronger. Pronger was asked about the rumors, and said that he has heard about them too. Brochu's take: Hmmm, this is more or less a "confirmation" that he is really on the trade block.

Strachan also reported that the Montreal Canadiens remain interested in Florida Panthers Jay Bouwmeester. The speculation is IF Bouwmeester ends up in Montreal, the Habs would then trade defenseman Andrei Markov to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the much-hyped Vincent Lecavalier deal. Brochu's take: That's a lot of dominos to fall in order for it to happen. I don't think this will happen.

The Minnesota Wild have placed forward Krys Kolanos on waivers.

NHL free agent signings for July 11, 2008

Sorry about the delay, there will be another post later today focused on the KHL (Russian) rumors that have been around lately.

The Minnesota Wild have traded defenseman Shawn Belle to the Montreal Canadiens for forward Corey Locke.

The Wild have also signed forward Krys Kolanos to a contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Brennan Evans to a two-year contract and defenseman Steve Montador to a one-year contract.

According to RDS.ca, the Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed Vincent Lecavalier to a 11 year, $85M contract extension.

The Bolts also announced the resignation of executive vice president and general manager Jay Feaster. He has come to terms with the owners, as Feaster had 3 years left on his contract. Brochu's take: Everyone saw this coming when most of the deals were announced by Koules, Barrie or Lawton. It won't take him long to find a job though, as he is well respected member in the old boys club.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed forward Chris Gratton to a one-year contract.

The Ottawa Senators have signed goaltender Mitchell O'Keefe and defenseman Brendan Bell to one-year contracts.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Jason Krog to a one-year deal.

The Washington Capitals have signed RFA forward Boyd Gordon to a one-year contract.

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Andy Wozniewski to a contract.

J. Carter for Kesler?

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Philadelphia Flyers are looking for a defensive forward, and Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks may just be the player. There is rumors that the Flyers would want more in return, likely a prospect from the Canucks system.

Dreger is also reporting that fired GM Doug Armstrong of the Dallas Stars did not go down with a fight. Sources say Armstrong scoured the league until the very end looking for a game breaking goal scorer - including Patrick Elias, Simon Gagne and Martin St. Louis. It is unclear if new GMs Brett Hull and Les Jackson would follow up on these efforts. Source

Krys Kolanos has signed a contract with the Quad City Flames of the AHL. Kolanos had attended the Calgary Flames training camp but did not report to Quad City in October. Source