Brunnstrom sweepstakes are over!

The Dallas Stars have finally won the Fabian Brunnstrom sweepstakes. TSN is reporting that Brunnstrom and his agent J.P. Barry decided that the Stars was the best fit for him. It's expected that he will sign a two-year contract, with bonuses that could raise his salary to $2 million a year. Brochu's take: The media and internet have really propelled this average Swedish prospect into an almost mythical player. The fact is he couldn't make it in the World Championship because the coach didn't think he had a good season. Don't be surprised if he becomes nothing more than a depth player for Dallas. Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made contact with Dave Nonis, after having received permission from the Vancouver Canucks. However, the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings have refused permission to allow the Leafs to talk to GMs Doug Wilson and Ken Holland, respectively.

Olaf Kolzig has confirmed that he has played his last game for the Washington Capitals. He remains open to join a contending team for next season. Brochu's take: He could gather a lot of interest from teams looking for a no. 1 goalie or veteran backup. Source

The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Keaton Ellerby to a three-year, entry-level contract. Ellerby was the Panthers first round choice in the 2007 NHL entry draft.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

According to Finnish television, there are rumors that forward Ville Leino is close to signing a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings.

Forward Brett Engelhardt has left the Montreal Canadiens and signed with Augsburg Panther of the DEL for the 2008-2009 season.

Atlanta Thrashers forward Jason Krog and defenseman Joel Kwiatkowski have left the organizationa and signed contracts with Severstal Cherepovets of the Russian Super League.

Poll Results:

Who will win the Hart Trophy?

Alexander Ovechkin	80 (86%)
Evgeni Malkin	11 (11%)
Jarome Iginla	1 (1%)

Total Votes: 92

NHL rumor update Mar 13

Atlanta Spirit co-owner Bruce Levenson said ownership has no plans to make major changes in the Thrashers front office following the season. Thrashers GM and head coach Don Waddell's job is safe, despite the fact that the Thrashers have taken a step backward this year and a playoff berth is highly unlikely. Source

The Pittsburgh Penguins will play an exhibition game in Finland in October. Pittsburgh will face Jokerit of the SM-Liiga onn Thursday, October 2 at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki. It will be a tune-up before they start the 2008-2009 season against the Ottawa Senators in Sweden. Source

Chris Chelios has heard from people within the NHLPA that the Detroit Red Wings will play the New York Rangers in the much-hyped planned outdoor game at Yankee Stadium in New York. However, GM Ken Holland has only confirmed that it is speculation at this point, while the Boston Bruins are also rumored to be in the running to play against the Rangers. Source

The Rangers have also signed free agent forward Justin Soryal. Soryal, 20, has played in 56 games with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL this season, registering 15 goals and 22 assists for 37 points, along with 140 penalty minutes. Source

The Dallas Stars have signed a trio of players to contracts. The Stars have signed forward Chris Conner and goaltender Tobias Stephan to one-year, two-way contracts for 2008-2009. The club also signed forward Sergei Korostin to a three-year, entry level contract.

The Atlanta Thrashers have placed defenseman Joel Kwiatkowski on waivers.