Latest NHL signings! Part XI

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed defenseman Cam Barker to a 3-year, $9.25 million contract extension. Brochu's take: So much for him possibly becoming a UFA.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed forwards David Jones, Chris Durno, Darren Haydar, Matt Hendricks and Brian Willsie, along with goaltender Tyler Weiman.

The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed forward Ville Leino to a two-year, $1.6 million contract extension. The Wings also signed forwards Jeremy Williams and Kris Newbury.

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forward B.J. Crombeen to a two-year, $1.745 million contract extension.

The Dallas Stars have signed forward Warren Peters to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Stars also signed defenseman Jeff Woywitka to a two-year, $1.3 million.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed defenseman Brian Salcido to a one-year contract.

Leino signs with Red Wings

According to a report in the Toronto Star, forward Jason Blake would welcome a trade. The Star asked Blake if he would put up a fuss if he were traded, he said: "Oh no, not at all, if that's the route." There have also been rumours that he could be on the list of buyouts that interim GM Cliff Fletcher plans to do this summer. Brochu's take: The Toronto media's love of the "buyout" option for its players is laughable. Buyouts are good options only if the contract is manageable. A trade seems most likely for Blake, however. Source

The Detroit Red Wings have signed Finnish forward Ville Leino to a one-year deal. Brochu's take: While the mainstream media have been focusing on the Brunnstrom affair, the Wings have made a even better move signing Leino. He could become an instant factor in the NHL. Source

There are conflicting reports that the Atlanta Thrashers have asked GM Don Waddell to step down and take another job in the organizations. TSN is reporting that Dave Nonis may be courted by Atlanta, and also Nonis will be interview on Tuesday for the vacant GM job in Toronto.

The Colorado Avalanche and coach Joel Quenneville have agreed to part ways. This has already sparked rumors that former goalie Patrick Roy could become the new head coach of the Avs.

Coach Jacques Lemaire has confirmed that he will return for an eighth season with the Minnesota Wild.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun believes that the only option for the Senators with the Ray Emery situation is a buyout. Also, he speculates that Chicago Blackhawks goalie Patrick Lalime will not return to the Hawks and could sign in Ottawa as a backup. Brochu's take: Stranger things have happened, but Lalime was carved like a turkey in Ottawa. Will the city welcome him with open arms? Source

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that defenseman Wade Redden has no intention of accepting a lower offer from the Senators and it looks likely he will be leaving the Canadian capital via free agency. Brochu's take: Lowballing is never good in negotiations. Redden will easily get $6 million from someone this summer. Source

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forwards Garrett Klotz and Darroll Powe to entry-level contracts. Source

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

Leino and Niemi to sign with NHL teams?

Two of the top Finnish free agents out there, Ville Leino and Antti Niemi, have received offers from NHL teams and are both weighing offers.

Ville Leino is a 24 year old forward playing for Jokerit in the Finnish SM-Liiga. He led his team in scoring with 28 goals and 77 points in 55 games. In a recent interview, he revealed that several NHL teams have expressed an interest in him, and his agent said it's likely he will sign sometime this summer. He doesn't want to play in the AHL is focusing on the upcoming World Championships in Canada. Brochu's take: There's been talk that the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in the forward. He could be a relatively cheap option for teams looking for offensive depth. Expect the major media outlets to pick up this story in 3 months time. Source

Antti Niemi is a 24 year old goaltender playing for Pelicans Lahti in the Finnish SM-Liiga. It's rumoured that 10 NHL teams are interested in the young goalie, and he has recently traveled to Chicago to meet his agent and NHL executives about signing with a team. Brochu's take: The Leafs are rumored to be one of the teams, along with the Tampa Bay Lightning and St. Louis Blues. Source

There are also rumors from Finnish sources that Janne Niinimaa may try to make a return to the NHL for the 2008-2009 season. Niinimaa is playing for Davos of the Swiss Nationalliga A.

The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed forward Sergei Samsonov to a three-year, $7.6 million contract extension. Samsonov will receive $2.3 million in 2008-09, $2.5 million in 2009-10 and $2.8 million in 2010-11. Brochu's take: The question is, which Samsonov will show up next year? Will it be the same one who played horribly in Montreal and Chicago, or the one that played a good half season with Carolina? Only time will tell. Source

The Canes also signed forwards Stefan Chaput and Nick Dodge to entry-level contracts. Source