NHL and Hockey Rumors for February 17, 2013

According to Elliot Friedman on the CBC Hotstove, there have been serious discussions between the Colorado Avalanche and the New York Rangers about forward Ryan O'Reilly.  It's believed the Avs asked for defenseman Michael Del Zotto, and it appears the asking price for O'Reilly remains unrealistically high:  Brochu's take:  Avs management are notoriously known as extremely stingy.  However, rumors continue to indicate that O'Reilly will be dealt soon.

The Calgary Flames have placed forward Blair Jones on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor round-up:

Free agent defenseman Pavel Kubina has signed with Swiss team Geneve-Servette.  Source

NHL Lockout Signings: Czech Republic

Here is a list of NHLer that have signed in the Czech Republic (HC Lev Praha plays in the KHL):

Dallas Stars forward Jaromir Jagr, Montreal Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec, Carolina Hurricanes forward Jiri Tlusty, New Jersey Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Tomas Kaberle have signed with HC Kladno.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid and Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec have signed with Bili Tygri Liberec.

Edmonton Oilers forward Ales Hemsky has signed with HC Pardubice.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Pavel Kubina has signed with HC Vitkovice.

Calgary Flames forward Roman Cervenka has signed with HC Slavia Praha.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for July 4, 2009

Happy July 4th to my American readers! I'm going to wrap up some of the trades that have gone down, I haven't had time to include them here.

The Colorado Avalanche have traded forward Ryan Smyth to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenseman Kyle Quincey, Tom Preissing and a 5th round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: With Gomez, Kubina and now Smyth, this is the official "Summer of the Salary Dump". Smyth will be a good veteran addition to the young Kings lineup, but earns $6 million per for 3 more years. Quincey is a good young blueliner, but the rest is filler.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded defenseman Pavel Kubina and the rights to forward Tim Stapleton to the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for defenseman Garnet Exelby and forward Colin Stuart. Brochu's take: Another salary dump, but Burke didn't even get draft picks back.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed forward Rick Nash to a 8-year, $62.4 million contract extension. Brochu's take: At a yearly salary cap hit of $7.8 million, Nash is slightly overpaid, but he is the Jackets one franchise star. It will also solidify Columbus as a solid hockey city.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 6, 2009

According to former New York Islanders VP of Public Relations Chris Botta, veteran forwards Doug Weight and Bill Guerin could be traded to bring back draft picks or young players to the Isles. However, GM Garth Snow has a "gentleman's agreement" with the players, so they would likely have to approve any trades. Weight has previously stated that he doesn't want to move anywhere in the middle of the season. Botta speculates that forward Mike Comrie and defenseman Brendan Witt could also bring back good assets. Brochu's take: The rumor is that Weight could be headed to the Columbus Blue Jackets, while the Colorado Avalanche are interested in Comrie. Source

The Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch website is reporting that Blue Jackets ownership has given permission to spend more money on adding players to the lineup. Writer Aaron Portzline is reporting that a deal will likely happen in the next week or so. GM Scott Howson has contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Atlanta Thrashers and New York Islanders, along with several teams. Brochu's take: Portzline adds that the Blue Jackets are looking at Pavel Kubina, Tomas Kaberle, Nik Antropov, Antoine Vermette, Jordan Staal and Doug Weight very closely. Source

Weekend NHL and Hockey Rumor Roundup for Jan 3-4, 2009

Sorry about the delay, but here's the weekend NHL and Hockey rumor report for Jan 3-4, 2009:

According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, the Ottawa Senators and Atlanta Thrashers have had talks, and it's likely that there could be a trade between these two teams. LeBrun believes that each team has what the other covets, and speculates that there could be a swap of defenseman Mathieu Schneider for Antoine Vermette. Brochu's take: The Sens are falling fast and they better make a move soon if they want to save the season. Source

It's Sunday, so it must be time for Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Florida Panthers are going to deal goalie Tomas Vokoun. Brochu's take: Vokoun's hefty contract, and his no trade clause, makes it unlikely he will be dealt.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to move defensemen Tomas Kaberle, Pavel Kubina, Mike Van Ryn and forward Nik Antropov. Garrioch is quoting sources that Kaberle would OK a deal to an Eastern Conference team, and the Montreal Canadiens are looking for a powerplay quarterback. Brochu's take: I don't think Brian Burke is going to do any favours for a divisional rival, but who knows if the right offer comes along.

The Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets each had scouts at last night's game. Both are believed to be in trade talks with the Senators and might have a mild interest in Jason Spezza. Brochu's take: The possibility of trades between these 3 teams is high, but I doubt it will involve Spezza in any way.

Al Strachan on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program "The Hotstove" reported that both defenseman Jay Bouwmeester and forward Nathan Horton no longer want to play for the Florida Panthers.

According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, the Vancouver Canucks could be looking at Leafs forward Nik Antropov. Brochu's take: He can probably be had for a 3rd rounder in the draft. Source

Weekend NHL and Hockey Rumor Roundup for Dec 20-21, 2008

The following rumors are from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

There are apparently "whispers" in the NHL circles that the Atlanta Thrashers and Minnesota Wild are discussing a blockbuster trade that would see the Wild trade forward Marian Gaborik and defenseman Kim Johnsson to the Thrashers for forwards Ilya Kovalchuk and Colby Armstrong. Brochu's take: It's been reported earlier that the Wild and Thrashers have been in trade talks, and it's obvious that Garrioch just jumped in on this and added some likely names.

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, "The Hotstove", Al Strachan reported that the Ottawa Senators are still trying to move forward Jason Spezza. Brochu's take: You'd think that after signing that long extension, these type of rumors would die. But here they are. When's the last time a big contract player was traded??

Strachan also reported that the Florida Panthers are trying to move goaltender Tomas Vokoun, and the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to move goalie Cristobal Huet. Brochu's take: There's been rumors that the Panthers may be trying to shed more payroll because of the economic situation.

According to the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Stars are looking for a no.1 defenseman. There are rumors that they have called the Toronto Maple Leafs about the availability of defenseman Pavel Kubina.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 1, 2008

Al Strachan on "The Hotstove" of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast reported that the Calgary Flames are shopping Mike Cammalleri, and are looking for a rugged winger in return. Brochu's take: I doubt that he is being shopped, as his play has really picked up in the last few weeks.

Adrian Dater of the Denver Post believes that the Colorado Avalanche are still interested in Buffalo Sabres forward Maxim Afinogenov, and are still making inquiries about him. Dater also reports that interest in trading defenseman Brett Clark has been lost due to the injury to Adam Foote. Brochu's take: I'm pretty sure Dater reported this Afinogenov rumor sometime last year, but I'm not sure. There hasn't been much interest in Afinogenov from any NHL team. Source

Tim Sassone of the Chicago Daily Herald is reporting that the Blackhawks are possibly shopping forward Martin Havlat, who has struggled of late. He believes that the Montreal Canadiens may be interested. Brochu's take: The Habs have been looking for a high scoring forward, but I don't think Havlat would fit into their system. Source

The following rumors come from rumor-monger extraordinaire, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to shed some salary, and are shopping defensemen Joe Corvo and Frantisek Kaberle, and forward Patrick Eaves. Brochu's take: Eaves has not progressed since the trade from the Senators.

The Toronto Maple Leafs may ship defenseman Pavel Kubina to new GM Brian Burke's old team, the Anaheim Ducks. Brochu's take: The Ducks are pushing the cap, I don't think they will add another defenseman with such a high salary.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 28, 2008

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that once Brian Burke is officially named the new president and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he will start shaping the team in his mode. The rumor is that defensemen Tomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina could be on the trading block, despite their no trade clauses. Alex Ponikarovsky and Nik Antropov are also believed to be considered trade bait. Brochu's take: There has been no "official" signing of Burke, yet. As for Burke, there is a widely reported (but wrong) notion that he likes to build a team with North Americans and not Europeans. Don't forget he made a trade during the 1999 NHL Entry Draft to draft the Sedins.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forward Michal Birner has left the Anaheim Ducks organization and has signed with Pelicans Lahti of the Finnish SM-Liiga.

There are rumours from Sweden that Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Fredrik Norrena may be signing with Linkoping. Norrena is currently the odd man out in Columbus. Source

There's also a rumor that forward Mikael Renberg will come out of retirement and play with Swedish Elite League team Frolunda. Source

NHL rumors for April 1, 2008

There's a rumor from Russian paper Sport-Express that RSL club Vityaz Chekhov is close to signing Minnesota Wild forward Chris Simon to a contract for 2008-2009. Brochu's take: There may not be many NHL teams that would want Simon and his baggage. Plus, anytime you can play for a team with the name "Chekhov", you take it. Source

Rumors are that the Toronto Maple Leafs may decide to keep defenseman Pavel Kubina instead of trading him. The small window where his NTC is no longer valid has opened up after the Leafs were officially eliminated from the playoffs. Brochu's take: His good play down the stretch will get the Leafs more in return. He's good as gone this summer.

The Boston Bruins tried to move forward Peter Shaefer at the trade deadline, but found no takers. Brochu's take: They'll try again this summer, or may consider a buy-out.

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed top prospect Kyle Turris to an entry-level contract. He will join the Coyotes for their final three games. Brochu's take: Turris will be the front-runner for the Calder Trophy next season. With the great young talent in Phoenix, Wayne Gretzky's team has a chance to make the playoffs in 2008-2009.

The Florida Panthers have signed forward Andrew Sweetland to an entry-level contract. Sweetland’s success at the University of Maine garnered interest from several NHL clubs. The Calgary Flames scouted him extensively while he was rumoured to be close to a deal with the San Jose Sharks two weeks ago. Source

Europe update, Kubina to San Jose?

Globe and Mail writer David Shoalts is reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks had an agreement to trade Pavel Kubina, but the deal fell through. Interim GM Cliff Fletcher had allowed GM Doug Wilson to speak to Kubina's agent about waiving his no trade clause, but Kubina refused. However, it's possible that he can still be traded in the summer. According to his contract, if the Leafs do not make the playoffs, Kubina's no-trade clause is suspended from the day of the entry draft in June to Aug. 15. Source

Brochu's European roundup:

Riku Hahl may be returning to the NHL next season. Swedish website Dagbladet.se is reporting that Hahl would be open to returning. "Three or four NHL teams are interested in his services." said Hahl's agent Krister Kaukinen. Hahl is currently playing for Timrå in the SEL. Source

Rumors are swirling that Swedish Elite League team Leksands IF may try to persuade goalie Ed Belfour to stay another year by bringing his son Dayn Belfour to Sweden. Leksand have sent scouts to watch the youngster, who plays for the Winkler Flyers in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. Source

Swiss newspaper Blick is reporting that forward John Pohl will leave the Toronto Maple Leafs at the end of the season and join Nationalliga A club Ambri Piotta in Switzerland. Source

Defenseman Janne Niskala is rumored to be leaving the Nashville Predators and returning to his Swedish Elite League club Färjestad. Source

Defenseman Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre will be leaving the New Jersey Devils at the end of the season and will play with Duisberg in the DEL for 2008-2009. Source

Sundin refuses to waive NTC

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, Mats Sundin has told the Toronto Maple Leafs that he will NOT waive his no trade clause. He does not want to be a rental player. Interim GM Cliff Fletcher also met with Pavel Kubina, Tomas Kaberle and Darcy Tucker, and all said "NO" to waiving their no trade clauses. Bryan McCabe may "consider" deals to the Eastern Conference. McKenzie speculates the only option for Fletcher is deal signed players such as Alex Steen, who the Edmonton Oilers covet.

McKenzie also reports that the Atlanta Thrashers may trade Marian Hossa as soon as tomorrow. The Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens are the front-runners. Also, GM Don Waddell was watching the Montreal's AHL affiliate Hamilton Bulldogs, while Atlanta scouts were watching the Senator's AHL affiliate in Binghamton.

Patrik Stefan to Phoenix?

According to Swiss sources, Patrik Stefan may be headed back to the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes. Stefan signed with SC Bern in late August, but had an escape clause if he signed with an NHL team. The report indicates that the clause expires tomorrow, and if Stefan has not signed he will report to Bern on Thursday. Stefan has been in negotiations with the Coyotes and the deal seems to be hinged on financial terms. Bern Sportchief Sven Leuenberger believes that there is a "50/50" chance he will play with Bern. Source

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun has reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Scotty Bowman are still negotiating. It was rumoured earlier this summer that the Leafs were pursuing Bowman for a senior position in the organization. Despite the public rejections, Simmons claims that they have met again in late August and early September to discuss the matter. Source

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that GM Dale Tallon has denied any internet or rumoured dealings that have swirled around his team. In response to questions asked about Pavel Kubina, Danny Markov and Tony Amonte, Tallon answered, "Nope." Source