NHL and Hockey Rumors for July 9, 2009

I should be caught up by tomorrow, I still have to post my analysis of the Pronger extension, and the Sakic retirement. There's a few more signings I have to catch up to as well.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Saku Koivu to a 1-year, $3.25 million contract. Brochu's take: And not with a bang but a whimper, the captain of the Montreal Canadiens for the past decade or so leaves the Habs. It's a bit sad that the organization decided for a new direction, but I think Koivu will have a bit of a career revival playing with his buddy Selanne in Orange County.

The Ducks also signed forward Todd Marchant to a 2-year, $2.25 million million contract.

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Kris Versteeg to a 3-year, $9.2 million contract. Brochu's take: So the last major RFA on Chicago's roster has signed, which pretty much negates that whole "misfiling" issue. The investigation into that matter is still ongoing.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Brent Regner to a 3-year, entry-level contract.

The New York Islanders have signed forward Matt Moulson to one-year, two-way contract. They have also signed forwards Greg Moore and Greg Mauldin, and defenseman Mark Flood to one-year, two-way contracts.

The Boston Bruins have signed defenseman Drew Fata to a contract. They have also signed goalie Dany Sabourin to a one-year contract.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Michael Funk to a contract.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Doug Janik to a contract. They have also signed defenseman Travis Erhardt to a three-year, entry-level contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 30, 2009

The New York Rangers have traded forward Dan Fritsche to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Erik Reitz. Frtische cleared waivers on Wednesday.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed forward George Parros to a three-year contract extension. The deal is believed to be worth $875,000 annually. Brochu's take: It was supposed to be a two-year contract, but his moustache got an extra year.

According to USA Today hockey writer Kevin Allen, there are many players believed to be available before the March 4 trade deadline. Among the most talked about are Ottawa Senators forward Dean McAmmond, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Sean O'Donnell, Nashville Predators defenseman Greg De Vries and forward Radek Bonk. Allen also believes it's possible that the Anaheim Ducks could shop one of their impending UFAs, a group which includes Brendan Morrison, Steve Montador, Todd Marchant, Sami Pahlsson, Travis Moen, and both Niedermayer brothers. Brochu's take: Allen lists others, but they have been all reported earlier in rumors. I don't think the Ducks will shop anyone yet, as they are fighting for a playoff spot. Source

The Chicago Blackhawks are considering re-signing forward Martin Havlat. Havlat is in the last year of his $6 million a year deal. Brochu's take: Rumours of the Hawks wanting to trade Havlat have really died down. His strong play and injury-free status this year should get him a good contract in the offseason. Source

Big rumour update, part 2

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, sources close to Scott Niedermayer suggest he is prepared to return to the NHL team in the near future, possibly at the end of this week. The Anaheim Ducks have to clear space for Niedermayer for this year and next year, even if Niedermayer does not play the 2008-2009 season. Multiple NHL sources have confirmed that the Ducks have been trying to free up this "tagging" room by having trade talks all this week. Sources suggest that any defensman not named Chris Pronger could be moved, including Mathieu Schneider, Francois Beauchemin and Sean O'Donnell. Source

Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail suggests that the Ducks could unload Todd Marchant and his $2.157 million contract by enticing other teams with a draft pick. Source

Various sources have confirmed that the Pittsburgh Penguins have placed Mark Recchi on waivers. There are rumors that the Islanders may be interested.

The Islanders blog on Newsday is speculating that the New York Islanders could package prospect Jeff Tambellini and a spare defenseman for a proven scorer or a top prospect. The Islanders are in a scoring slump, having scored 2 or less goals in their last 13 games.