Post-Lockout NHL Signings in Europe

Here's a few more NHL signings in Europe, look for my individual European country updates soon!  This post will be concentrated on players that have signed with Swiss, Russian and Czech clubs.

RUSSIA

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has signed with SKA St. Petersburg.

Boston Bruins goalie Anton Khudobin has signed with Atlant Mytishchi.

SWITZERLAND

Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi has signed with SC Bern.

Boston Bruins forward Tyler Seguin has signed with EHC Biel.

Buffalo Sabres forward Tyler Ennis and Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon have signed with Langnau.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Radek Martinek and Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference have signed with HC Ceske Budejovice.

Washington Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth has signed with HC Sparta Praha (Prague).

St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Sobotka has signed with HC Slavia Praha (Prague).

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 28, 2009

The Detroit Red Wings have announced a 2 p.m. press conference Wednesday at Joe Louis Arena, when they will announce the signing of Henrik Zetterberg to a long-term contract extension. Speculation is that the deal is in the 10-year, $70 million range, although reports tonight indicate that the deal is more in the 8-year, $58 million range. Brochu's take: A ten year deal is risky in today's NHL. Zetterberg will be in his late 30's by the end of the contract. ***** New update, 9:13 pm**** Zetterberg has officially signed a 12-year, $72 million contract! Brochu's take: WOW! A bargain at $6 million per, but the length still scares me. Source

Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post speculates that the Philadelphia Flyers are still looking for a veteran defenseman. Atlanta's Niclas Havelid, Colorado's Brett Clark, Phoenix's Derek Morris, Nashville's Dan Hamhuis and the Islanders' Brendan Witt are expected to be on the trade block in the next six weeks. With forwards Scottie Upshall, Joffrey Lupul and Mike Knuble, the Flyers have the assets to land one of them. Source

There are also rumors that the New York Islanders are shopping defenseman Radek Martinek.

The New York Rangers have placed forward Dan Fritsche on waivers.

Patrik Stefan retires from hockey

Patrik Stefan has officially ended his hockey career. Stefan had signed with SC Bern this summer, but after 3 games, he has retired immediately due to chronic injuries. The former no. 1 pick of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft played 455 games, scoring 66 goals and 127 assists with the Atlanta Thrashers and Dallas Stars. "It is hard to make this decision at 27 years old. Nevertheless, I knew that once the time would come, I must make it. But all physicians assured me that it was better for my health, if I carry out this step now." Source

According to various sources, Radek Martinek has signed a three-year extension with the New York Islanders. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Matt Nickerson, who was cut from the Dallas Stars training camp, has signed with Ässät Pori in Finland. Source