Hockey and NHL rumors for Dec 30, 2009

The Washington Capitals have traded forward Chris Clark and defenseman Milan Jurcina to the Columbus Blue Jackets for forward Jason Chimera. Brochu's take: Trading your captain is a bit weird, but I believe the Caps are shedding a bit of salary cap space to make a big run to the Stanley Cup this season. Look for the Caps to make more moves soon.

The Vancouver Canucks have placed defenseman Mathieu Schneider on waivers. Brochu's take: There are rumors he might retire if he clears.

The Anaheim Ducks have placed forward Kyle Calder on waivers.

The Nashville Predators have placed forward Dave Scatchard on waivers.

Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 29, 2009

The San Jose Sharks have traded defensemen Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for defenseman Daniel Rahimi and forward Patrick White. Brochu's take: For the Sharks, this is a bit of a salary dump. With Ehrhoff and Lukowich off the books, the Sharks free up around $5.5 million in cap space. For the Canucks, they have significantly improved their defensive depth, while also acquiring assets in preparation for a trade.

The Canucks have also officially signed defenseman Mathieu Schneider to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. Brochu's take: A sweetheart deal with GM Mike Gillis' old client.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Alex Tanguay to a one-year, $3.25 million deal. Brochu's take: You have to wonder why it took so long, but regardless, this makes the Bolts a more dynamic offensive team.

The Lightning have also re-signed defenseman Matt Lashoff to a two-year deal.

The New York Islanders have signed forward Tony Romano to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forward Chris Porter and Justin Fletcher to two and one-year deals, respectively.

The New Jersey Devils have re-signed defenseman Mark Fraser and forward Patrick Davis to one-year deals.

The Boston Bruins have re-signed goalie Kevin Regan to a one-year deal.

Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 25, 2009

According to Sportsnet, the Vancouver Canucks are close to signing free agent defenseman Mathieu Schneider to a one-year contract. Brochu's take: Schneider could be the answer for the Canucks' lack of a powerplay quarterback. I would guess a deal in the $2-3 million range. Source

Free agent defenseman Dennis Seidenberg is close to a deal with the New York Rangers or Florida Panthers. It's believed that he wants a 3-year deal, but the teams want a shorter contract. Source

The San Jose Sharks have signed forward Ben Ferriero to a two-year, $1.275 million contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Defenseman Eric Reitz has left the New York Rangers organization and signed with Sibir Novosibirsk of the KHL. Source

Canadiens acquire Schneider

The Atlanta Thrashers have traded defenseman Mathieu Schneider to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a second round draft pick in the 2009 and a third round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. In addition to Schneider, the Canadiens will receive a conditional draft pick from the Thrashers. The draft pick is conditional on how far the Habs go in the playoffs. If Montreal loses in the first round or doesn't make the playoffs, the Canadiens get a third-round pick from Atlanta. If Montreal wins one rounds, it becomes a fourth round pick. If Montreal wins two rounds or more, it becomes a fifth-round pick. Brochu's take: GM Bob Gainey shows that he won't wait till the deadline to shake up his team (and his team needs a BIG shakeup). The acquisition of Schneider greatly improves their powerplay.

Weekend rumor roundup for Feb 7-8, 2009

There will probably be another part of the rumor roundup on Monday, just to pick up the rest of the reports this weekend.

According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, the Detroit Red Wings can only sign one of Johan Franzen or Marian Hossa, because of the CBA's tagging rule. The other player will have to wait until July 1st. Brochu's take: The moneys' on Franzen being signed, as he will cost significantly less than Hossa. Hossa wants to stay in Detroit, but unless he takes a massive hometown discount, he won't be with the Red Wings come next season.

The Vancouver Canucks have yet to officially make a contract offer to veteran defenseman Mattias Ohlund. Ohlund has a no trade clause. Brochu's take: It's likely that the Canucks will keep Ohlund (unless they are out of the playoff picture) and let him walk into the sunset come summertime.

There has also been contract discussions between the Canucks and the Sedin twins, but talks have stalled. Both Daniel and Henrik Sedin denied a report that they were seeking a $6-7 million a year contract each. They re-iterated their desire to stay in Vancouver and play together. Brochu's take: They will have to take a big hometown discount to stay together in Vancouver.

LeBrun also reports the Canucks, along with the Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres may also have interest in Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Mathieu Schneider. Brochu's take: Schneider's name has been in the rumour mill a lot lately. Look for him to be moved to a playoff contender at the NHL trade deadline. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

LeBrun also reported that goalie Ray Emery has left his KHL team Atlant Moscow. Allegedly, the team has been using the wrong exchange rate most of the season and Emery is about 33% shy right now of what he should have earned. There are still several NHL teams interested in his services. Brochu's take: He would have to clear waivers first anyways. There's also been tons of speculation that KHL teams have been unable to pay their players.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 4, 2009

The New Jersey Devils have traded defenseman Sheldon Brookbank to the Anaheim Ducks for the rights to center David McIntyre. Brochu's take: Let the trade floodgates open!

CKAC is reporting that the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Brad Richards and Matt Niskanen of the Dallas Stars. According to the radio hosts, GM Bob Gainey has had some talks with Stars GM Les Jackson. Brochu's take: Gainey's been looking for an offensive centreman, but I think Richard's contract is a bit high for his production level. Source

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN is reporting that Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray was interested in acquiring Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Tobias Enstrom, but was told only defenseman Mathieu Schneider was available. There were also talks with the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders, but nothing came of it. Brochu's take: Murray's on his last legs in Ottawa, he may be prone to making a panic trade. Look for him to be very active as we near the trade deadline. Source

Edmonton Oilers forward Dustin Penner, who has been called out again by coach Craig MacTavish for his poor play, has been rumored to traded to the Florida Panthers for Jay Bouwmeester. Brochu's take: Who would want Penner's contract? Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs are rumored to be interested in Bouwmeester as well.

Former NHL star Eric Lindros resigned as ombudsman of the NHL players' union. The NHLPA confirmed the move on Tuesday but gave no reason why. Brochu's take: You'll probably hear about it on Hockey Night in Canada this weekend.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 31, 2009

The Globe and Mail is reporting that Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis's patience might be running out. "Your patience level is obviously determined by how you're playing," Gillis said. "My patience is at an end with the way this group has performed." Rumors have abounded that coach Alain Vigneault will be fired at the end of the current home stand, but Gillis has assured his coach that his job is safe. Meanwhile, Sportsnet is reporting that Pat Quinn and Vancouver Giants coach Don Hay have been rumoured to be coaching candidates. Brochu's take: There's a lot of pressure on the Canucks to make the playoffs, and since trades are so hard to come by, firing the coach would be the easiest option. Source

According to CKNW radio in Vancouver, the Canucks could be interested in Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Mathieu Schneider.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are shopping for an experienced backup with the loss of Olaf Kolzig for the season, and they could be interested in Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala. Toskala's name has been in the rumour mill lately. Brochu's take: I don't think the Bolts will had that much salary for a backup.

Peter Forsberg has ruled a return to the NHL this season, but has left the door open for a return in the 2009-2010 season. "There won't be any NHL this season, that's totally clear,'' Forsberg told Swedish television station SVT. ''If I can play it will be in the (Swedish) Elite League and MODO.'' Forsberg has actually signed for Modo, but won't know when he will play for them, due to his lingering foot problems. Brochu's take: So much for those Forsberg rumors, at least for this season. And if you're wondering, he cannot play at all for the NHL this season after signing with MODO, as the Swedish season ends sometime after the NHL trade deadline. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed forward Joel Perrault on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Josef Hrabal, who declined an assignment to the ECHL Stockton Thunder, has been loaned to SEL club MODO. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 19, 2009

Here are some of the latest hockey and NHL rumors from Bruce Garrioch of the Toronto Sun: (Hmmm, is he getting two cheques for this?)

St. Louis Blues forward Keith Tkachuk is likely to be dealt at the March 4 trade deadline. The 36-year-old Massachusetts native would like to be sent to the Boston Bruins, but the B's are pushing the salary cap and GM Peter Chiarelli would like another defenseman instead of a forward. Brochu's take: Let the Keith Tkachuk sweepstakes commence!

There are rumours that the Atlanta Thrashers are about to trade defenseman Mathieu Schneider to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Maxim Afinogenov. Brochu's take: While this makes sense for Buffalo, I'm not sure why Atlanta would do this deal. Afinogenov is only a shadow of the player he was three years ago.

According to the St. Petersburg Times, the Tampa Bay Lightning have an interest in Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Ian White. Source

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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

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 7, 2008

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

"Multiple NHL sources told Sun Media yesterday that Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell has held serious talks with several teams about the possibility of trading forward Ilya Kovalchuk." Garrioch speculates that the Montreal Canadiens have an "obvious interest" in the Russian forward. Brochu's take: If Kovalchuk is traded, Waddell would be fired shortly thereafter. I predict that Kovalchuk will stay, unless some team ridiculously overpays.

"There's a lot of talk the [New York]Rangers are looking to move either defenseman Wade Redden or Michal Rozsival. Both were signed to new deals in the off-season, but Redden, who agreed to a six-year, $39-million deal, has a no-movement clause in his contract, making it more likely that Rozsival would be dealt." Brochu's take: For the record, Redden does NOT have a no-movement clause, but a somewhat limited no trade clause where he has listed three teams he cannot be traded too. Both the hefty contracts of Redden and Rozsival make them essentially untradeable.

"The [Florida]Panthers are trying to move forward Nathan Horton. He is scheduled to make an average of $4 million on a contract that runs through the 2012-13 season, which could make him difficult to trade. Forwards Rostislav Olesz and Brett McLean can be had for a draft pick." Brochu's take: Horton would probably get interest from a lot of teams in the NHL.

"The [Edmonton]Oilers have mild interest in moving defenseman Ladislav Smid. Given a chance, he could fit the bill for the [Ottawa]Senators." Brochu's take: There's been a lot of rumors that the Senators and Oilers are discussing trades, and this should add to the scuttlebutt.

"The [Philadelphia]Flyers are looking to dump salary and might decide to see what they can get for forward Joffrey Lupul." Brochu's take: Lupul's been on the trading block for a few weeks now.

Garrioch also believes the Thrashers will move defenseman Matheiu Schneider by the March 4 trade deadline, and he has already received a few calls.

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

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 24, 2008

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the Anaheim Ducks continue to shop defenseman Mathieu Schneider, but there are still no takers. McKenzie mentions that teams have called about forward Bobby Ryan, and he could be part of a package deal to entice other teams to take on Schneider's hefty salary. Brochu's take: The Ducks are running out of time, and a deal could be done this week. Throwing in the 2nd pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft may get the job done. Source

Rumours continue to swirl that Schneider is headed to the Atlanta Thrashers, Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues. The loss of Erik Johnson for the entire season has the Blues as the frontrunner to land the Duck defenseman.

McKenzie also mentions that Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander is available, and the Chicago Blackhawks, along with several other teams, may be working out a deal to get him. Brochu's take: Chicago just dumped Robert Lang's contract to get under the cap, why would they add an even bigger salary to their roster?

The Ducks have also signed center Maxime Macenauer and defenseman Eric Regan to three-year, entry-level contracts.

The San Jose Sharks have told defenseman Kyle McLaren to not participate in training camp scrimmages, raising speculation that the blueliner will be traded soon. Source

Retired forward Claude Lemieux is rumored to be trying to make a comeback to the NHL. The 43 year old has been practising with the Phoenix Coyotes but no one has called. Brochu's take: And no one is going to call. There are cheaper, younger, better players than Lemieux in today's NHL. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 20, 2008

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Jason Pominville to a 5 year, $26.5 million contract extension. Brochu's take: And the population of Pominville increases by $5.3 million per year...

The Anaheim Ducks have told defenseman Mathieu Schneider not to attend training camp, as something may be "imminent". A trade may happen as soon as this weekend.

The Ducks have also signed free agent forward Teemu Selanne to a pro tryout contract, which will allow Selanne to attend training camp and participate in practises. Selanne will sign a contract as soon as the Ducks deal with their cap space problems. Selanne has also mentioned that he may be willing to sign a two-year deal, which will allow him to play in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The Ducks have also signed forward Drew Miller to a two-year deal worth $525,000 per year.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed goaltender Jean-Sebastien Aubin to a one-year contract.

The Flyers will place defenseman Derian Hatcher on long-term IR after their first game. This will save $3.5 million in cap space for the Flyers.

The Los Angeles Kings have told forward Patrick O'Sullivan to not attend training camp until they resolve their contract negotiations. O'Sullivan is a restricted free agent and rumors continue to fly about the Kings trading the young forward.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Calgary Flames forward Marcus Nilson will be playing for Yaroslavl Lokomotiv of the KHL. The Flames and the Russian have come to an agreement wherein the Flames will pay Nilson's $1 million salary, but won't count against the cap.

Flames assistant coach Wayne Fleming has also left his job and taken the head coaching job for KHL team Avangard Omsk.

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 18, 2008

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Mathieu Schneider has passed waivers. Schneider cannot be bought out because the deadline for buyouts has passed. It's believed that Ducks GM Brian Burke is working on several possible trades, and a deal could be made soon. Putting Schneider on re-entry waivers is also a possiblity, but given the Ducks' salary cap problems, this option is unlikely.

The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed forward Darren McCarty to a one-year, two-way contract believed to be around $500,000.

The Calgary Flames have placed forward Marcus Nilson on waivers. This should clear the way for Nilson to play in Russia with a KHL team, if he clears.

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 17, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have placed defenseman Mathieu Schneider on waivers. The two most reported teams that are interested are the Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks. Brochu's take: Canucks GM Mike Gillis IS Schneider's former agent. But LA is higher on the waiver rankings.

According to the Las Vegas Sun, the proposed arena is one more step from being a reality. Hurrah's has pulled out of funding for the project, but a consortium of investors including Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer, MGM Studios CEO Harry Sloan and Wall Street financier David Bonderman would instead partner AEG on the multi-purpose arena. Source

Weekend rumor roundup

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Vancouver Canucks are "quietly shopping" defenseman Mattias Ohlund. Ohlund has one year left on his contract, and the Ottawa Senators could be interested in him. Garrioch also suggests that the Carolina Hurricanes are willing to trade defenseman Frantisek Kaberle and Joe Corvo. Brochu's take: The Hurricanes actually do need defenseman to play NHL games, despite what Garrioch thinks. Ohlund has a no trade clause in his contract, and is unlikely to waive it. Source

The St. Petersburg Times is reporting that there are rumors that the Tampa Bay Lightning are trying to trade forwards Michel Ouellet, Jussi Jokinen and Jason Ward to make some salary cap space. Source

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal is suggesting that the Calgary Flames may send defenseman Adrian Aucoin to the Los Angeles Kings. Brochu's take: This would bring the Kings up to the cap, but Aucoin is not a solution to the King's need for an offensive defenseman. Source

There have been several confirmed discussions between the Kings and Anaheim Ducks about defenseman Mathieu Schneider. It would seem a deal is inevitable. Source

Stay tuned for my European rumor roundup on Monday.

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 3, 2008

The Vancouver Canucks have traded forward Ryan Shannon to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Lawrence Nycholat. Brochu's take: A depth move, the Canucks have more than enough bottom-6 forwards. As for Nycholat, the veteran AHLer should provide some insurance for the Nucks defense.

In an interview with Team 1040 radio in Vancouver, defenseman Kevin Bieksa acknowledged that there are rumors of him being traded, but he ignores them. He first heard about the rumours during the NHL entry draft. Brochu's take: There's been a lot of speculation in the Vancouver media about a possible trade with the Anaheim Ducks and Mathieu Schneider, who looks likely to be moved. The recent acquistion of Nycholat could mean the Canucks may be up to something.

In an interview with AM640 in Toronto, Mats Sundin has still not decided if he wants to continue playing hockey. Sundin admitted he hasn't even skated yet, and has only worked out a few times. Sportsnet is also reporting that Sundin will meet with Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher on Friday. Brochu's take: And another episode of "The Bald and the Beautiful" concludes without any real conclusion...

The Nashville Predators have suspended forward Alexander Radulov indefinitely without pay for the 2008-09 season. Radulov signed a contract with UFA of the KHL despite having one year remaining on his existing contract with Nashville.

The Detroit Red Wings are close to a one-year, ~$850,000 deal with defenseman Chris Chelios.

NHL and hockey rumors for July 6, 2008

According to the Ottawa Sun, the Senators could be close to acquiring San Jose Sharks defenseman Kyle McLaren or Anaheim Ducks defenseman Mathieu Schneider. Brochu's take: This is a Bruce Garrioch rumor, so take it with a bag of salt.

The star 940 radio is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks are trying to move forward Martin Havlat. Teams rumored to be interested are the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres and Atlanta Thrashers, as well as the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens. Brochu's take: The Hawks have to get rid of some salary soon, and Havlat has only one year left on his contract. This could be a salary dump type of trade.

In an interview with Global TV in Vancouver, Canucks GM Mike Gillis revealed he has had more discussions with Brendan Morrison, and it's still possible a deal could be made to keep the UFA forward in Vancouver.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Matt Cooke to a two-year, $2.4 million contract.

Sources tell TSN that former Maple Leaf Joe Nieuwendyk is scheduled to meet with Toronto general manager Cliff Fletcher this week to discuss joining the team's management group. Nieuwendyk's contract as advisor to Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin expired June 30.

Oilers after Vandermeer, Sharp?

The following rumors come from Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal:

Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe was scouting the Chicago Blackhawks-LA Kings game on Wednesday night in Chicago. He was also in Montreal to see the Montreal Canadiens play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.

Lowe likes defenseman Jim Vandermeer, a Western kid and one of the league's "best scrappers". He may also be looking at Rene Bourque and Patrick Sharp, who is coveted by many teams.

Raffi Torres and Jarret Stoll remain available at the right price. The Oilers have been receiving calls for the forward pair from several teams.

The Blackhawks did "sniff around" Anaheim Ducks defenceman Mathieu Schneider during the last few weeks, but truth is they're going to save their money and try to sign Wade Redden of the Ottawa Senators next year when he's an unrestricted free agent. Redden is eight years younger.

The Philadelphia Flyers have had internal discussions about a possible outdoor game to be played at Penn State University's Beaver Stadium. The Pittsburgh Penguins are interested, and this could become an annual event. "We've talked to the Pittsburgh guys and they're going to noodle it around," Flyers president Peter Luukko said. "They're doing the one this year so they want to see how that goes." Source

Ducks trade watch, day 7

The Anaheim Ducks trade watch continues. According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the most likely return for Scott Niedermayer would be Sunday for the game against the San Jose Sharks. GM Brian Burke has until then to free up around $900,000 from next year's salary cap. McKenzie is saying that "Burke is sitting on some deals that could be done in a heartbeat. He could move veteran Defenceman Sean O'Donnell for a draft pick or package defenceman Shane Hnidy and forward Brad May and the financial issues would be solved. But Burke is entertaining the idea of a "hockey trade" that would improve the Ducks and defenceman Mathieu Schneider would be part of that were it to happen." Source

Randy Youngman of the OC Register is reporting that Burke has been talking trade with the Florida Panthers, Atlanta Thrashers, Chicago Blackhawks and Caroline Hurricanes. He's also reporting a rumor that the New Jersey Devils are interested in Schneider. Source

The Ducks announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Bruno St. Jacques to a one-year contract. Subsequently, St. Jacques was recalled from the Portland Pirates, Anaheim’s AHL affiliate. Source

With the sale of the team official, the Nashville Predators are moving forward with their hockey team. This could mean several trades to improve their team, as the Predators have been looking for better goaltending. A few hours before announcing the sale had closed, Predators Holdings Chairman David Freeman said GM David Poile would soon have more freedom to move forward with other contract negotiations, explore trade opportunities and establish future payroll. Source

Goaltender Fred Brathwaite has left the Atlanta Thrashers AHL affiliate in Chicago and has been suspended by the organization. It's believed he received an offer to play in Russia. There are rumours that he may return to his old RSL team, Aq Bars Kazan. Source

Brochu's fantasy and injury update:

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo may miss several games with a rib contusion he suffered several weeks ago.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards suffered a leg injury in the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday and will be re-evaluated tomorrow.