Aebischer signs with HC Lugano - official

David Aebischer has officially signed with HC Lugano of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Aebischer has signed a contract that will see him play with Lugano until the end of the 2011-2012 season. The Phoenix Coyotes have officially released him from his contract. Source

According to the Dallas Morning News Stars blog, scouts from 6 teams were at Wednesday's game between the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks. These teams were the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Atlanta Thrashers, Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers. Three of these teams have games against the Stars next week. Rumors of more trades continue to swirl in Dallas. Source

Todd Fedoruk has also been called up on re-entry waivers. The Stars are hoping someone will pick him up.

Jamie McLennan and Tyson Nash have signed with the Nippon Paper Cranes of the Asian League Ice Hockey (ALIH). McLennan had left his team in Russia to return to Canada earlier this season, while Nash remained an unsigned UFA. The Nippon Paper Cranes, who may have the best team name in world hockey, play in Kushiro, Japan. Source

The San Jose Sharks locked up Matt Carle after signing the defenseman to a four-year contract extension worth $13.75 million on Wednesday.

Niedermayer decision today?

According to TSN, Scott Niedermayer will announce a decision on his future at a press conference Thursday at 1:30 pm EST. Niedermayer has announced that he will not be attending training camp, but hasn't decided if he wants to retire or return to the Ducks. If Niedermayer decides to return sometime during the season, he will have to be suspended by the Ducks and his salary would be taken off the Ducks' cap number. However, there is this to think about. "The Ducks can't have an 'agreement' with Niedermayer as to when he will return — that would be a circumvention (of the salary cap)," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in an e-mail.

Also, the Hockey News quotes a source that Teemu Selanne is comfortable with the idea of being retired. However, in an interview with the television station The Score, GM Brian Burke indicated that Selanne has not said anything to indicate he was going to retire. Source

Tommi Santala has signed with Jokerit. Santala played for the Vancouver Canucks last year, scoring 1 goal and 5 assists in 30 games. Source

An update on Jamie McLennan. It appears he has has left Metallurg Magnitogorsk for family reasons.

Tjarnqvist to Djurgarden?

The Daniel Tjarnqvist saga never seems to end. Earlier in the summer, he was rumoured to be signing with Ak Bars Kazan in the Russian Super League. This was promptly denied by Tjarnqvist, who was still waiting an NHL offer. Now it appears Djurgården of the Swedish Elite league has offered him a contract. According to Sportal.nu, Djurgarden has been in contact with him and has an offer on the table, if he wants it. Tjärnqvist played for Djurgården from 1997-2001, as well as the lockout year in 2004-2005. Source

A late report from Sweden has Jeff Friesen headed to Leksands IF to join Ed Belfour, but this has been flatly denied by Leksands sportchief Mikael Lundström.

Pat Leahy has signed with EHC Black Wings Linz in Austria. Leahy was a UFA of the Nashville Predators, and appeared in one game in 2006-2007.

There's a rumour that Jamie McLennan has left Metallurg Magnitogorsk. It's unknown if an NHL team has offered him a contract.