The latest European free agent rumors

There's a lot of rumours about European free agents signing with NHL teams lately, so here's another edition of Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Swiss defenseman Goran Bezina has been scouted by the New York Rangers recently. Bezina spent the season with Geneve-Servette in the Swiss Nationalliga, and recently scored two goals in an exhibition game with Team Switzerland against Norway. Rangers scout Anders Hedberg was spotted keeping an eye on the ex-Phoenix Coyotes draft pick. Brochu's take: Rumors are that some Montreal Canadiens scouts were watching him as well. Perhaps his second stint in the NHL will be better than the first. Source

Swiss forward Beat Forster has also received some interest from NHL clubs. Brochu's take: No doubt, he will be the first NHL player with the first name "Beat". Source

The agent for Russian forward Evgeny Artyukhin has proposed a two-year deal to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The deal is believed to around $1 million a year. Brochu's take: Artyukhin bolted (pardon the pun) to Russia the last 2 years when the Lightning refused his contract demands. Given the overhaul in Tampa, he may be given another chance. Source

Defenseman Olli Malmivaara will leave the New Jersey Devils organization and play with SM-Liiga team JYP in Finland for the 2008-2009 season.

Forward Tomi Maki will leave the Calgary Flames organization and play with SM-Liiga team Jokerit in Finland for the 2008-2009 season.

Forward Janne Lahti will leave the Montreal Canadiens organization and has signed with SM-Liiga team Jokerit in Finland for the 2008-2009 season.

NHL rumors for April 9, 2008

According to the Buffalo News, the Sabres want to sign Ryan Miller to a long-term contract extension, but the question is, does he want to? Miller wants to meet with management to see the direction of the franchise before he commits to any new deal. Brochu's take: Miller's seen some of the best players on his team leave year after year; Daniel Briere, Chris Drury and Brian Campbell. Will Buffalo open the bank to sign him?

The San Jose Sharks have signed forward Frazer McLaren and defensemen David MacDonald and Mike Moore.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Anaheim Ducks forward Geoff Platt is rumoured to be signing with SCL Tigers of the Swiss Nationalliga A.

Detroit Red Wings forward Mark Cullen is also rumored to be signing with SCL Tigers.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Olli Malmivaara is rumored to be signing with JYP in Finland.

Vancouver Canucks forward Brad Moran is rumoured to be signing with Skelleftea of the SEL.

Poll Results:

Who will win the Steven Stamkos sweepstakes?

Los Angeles	115 (47%)
Tampa Bay	59 (24%)
Atlanta	13 (5%)
St. Louis	8 (3%)
Toronto	25 (10%)
Florida	4 (1%)
Other	16 (6%)

Total votes : 240

What would you like to see added to Brochu is Hockey?

My analysis ("Brochu's take")	27 (43%)
More polls	5 (8%)
Top 10 lists	19 (30%)
Non-rumor posts	7 (11%)
Other	4 (6%)

Total votes : 62

Thanks to everyone who participated in the polls!