McGillis, Soderberg to Europe

Dan McGillis, who was released from his try-out with the Vancouver Canucks, has signed with Adler Mannheim in the DEL. Carl Soderberg has been loaned by the Boston Bruins to the Malmo Redhawks of the Swedish Elite League. Source

Update on the Peter Forsberg - Dallas rumour. GM Doug Armstrong and Brett Hull were in Örnsköldsvik this week in order to persuade Forsberg to join the Stars. Modo sport manager Ecke Holmberg confirmed that he gave two tickets to the two men and talked to them about Forsberg's future. Asked about Foppa possibly signing with Dallas, Mattias Norstrom responded, "He is more than welcome." Source

According to reports in Minnesota, Wild prospect Roman Voloshenko has left the Houston Aeros (The Wild's AHL affiliate) and has opted to play in Russia.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Randy Robitaille may be signing with the Senators. Robitaille was released from his RSL team Yaroslavl Lokomotiv this week, and the Senators want him for depth purposes. The New York Islanders are also mildly interested in signing the Ottawa native. Source

Downie to get more than 10 games?

According to reports from the East coast, Steve Downie may get more than 10 games for his hit on Dean McAmmond. Downie has been suspended indefinitely, pending a review by the league. Colin Campbell has already been angered by the amount of fighting and violent play of the pre-season, and may use Downie as an example to the rest of the league that such actions will not be tolerated.

Dan McGillis has been playing well with the Vancouver Canucks and is very close to signing a contract. The deal is most likely a two-way deal in the $650,000 range. Source

The Anaheim Ducks and Cologne Sharks are officially pairing up. "This partnership can be of great importance to the DEL", says Sharks GM Thomas Eichin. The teams will work together on scouting, coaching, youth development and other hockey matters. It's also rumoured that the Ducks may play an exhibition game in the KölnArena in the 2008-2009 season. Source

NHL to start in Germany for 2008-2009?

According to the official German Elite League (DEL) website, the NHL may start the 2008-2009 season in Germany. Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), who also own the new O2 arena in London, have been in discussions with the NHL to have a few games in Berlin, where their new O2 World Arena is scheduled to open in September 2008. The Kings are rumoured to be involved, as they are owned by Anschutz. "We are on a good way to invite to the large opening show teams from the NHL. The negotiations began already." said AEG managing director Detlef Kornett. The Kings and Ducks are scheduled to start the season in London later this month. Source

Dan McGillis has joined the Vancouver Canucks on a tryout basis. The 35 year old free agent spent last season with Lowell of the American Hockey League. McGillis has also been rumoured to be in discussions with the Berlin Polar Bears of the DEL. Source

According to Swiss newspaper "Blick", Nathan Dempsey may also be signing with the Polar Bears. Dempsey spent the 2004-2005 lockout year with the Bears. Dempsey split time between the Boston and Providence Bruins last year. Earlier this summer, he was rumoured to be signing with SC Bern, but nothing official was confirmed. Source

Poll Results:

What is the most annoying story this offseason?

Scott Niedermayer	65 (46%)
Teemu Selanne	5 (3%)
Peter Forsberg	36 (25%)
New Uniforms	29 (20%)
Other	4 (2%)

Votes so far: 139
Poll closed