Hockey and NHL rumors for July 26, 2009

The Boston Bruins have traded defenseman Aaron Ward to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward Patrick Eaves and a fourth-round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

The Bruins have placed Eaves on waivers, with the intention of buying out his contract. Brochu's take: Eaves' stock has really dropped over the last few years, as he was expected to be a 20-goal scorer.

The B's have also signed defenseman Derek Morris to a 1-year, $3.3 million contract.

The Canes have re-signed forward Tuomo Ruutu to a 3-year, $11.4 million contract.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have also re-signed goalie Justin Pogge to a 1-year, $605,000 contract. Brochu's take: There's also rumors that GM Brian Burke is trying to trade him, but his value is quite low at the moment.

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed defensemen Steve Wagner and Roman Polak.

The New York Islanders have signed forward Nate Thompson to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Lukas Kaspar to a one-year deal.

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed forward Daniel Winnik to a 1-year deal.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed forward Petteri Nokelainen.

Trade deadline wrap-up, Part 1

Here's part 1 of the NHL Trade Deadline wrap-up:

The Calgary Flames have acquired Olli Jokinen and a third-round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from the the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Matthew Lombardi, forward Brandon Prust and a conditional first round draft pick. The draft pick heading to the Coyotes will either be in the upcoming NHL entry draft or the 2010 draft, at Calgary's option. Brochu's take: The Flames are really making a run for it, and Jokinen should shore up their centre depth. It's a lot to give up for him, but Jokinen does have one more year on his contract.

The Flames also acquired defenseman Jordan Leopold from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Lawrence Nycholat, prospect Ryan Wilson and a 2nd round pick in 2009. Brochu's take: With the injury to Mark Giordano, the Flames needed another defenseman. With Leopold in the fold, he should make a strong defensive core even stronger. Again, it's a big price to pay for a pending UFA.

The Flames also traded goalie Kevin Lalande to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a fourth-round draft pick in 2009.

The Ottawa Senators have traded forward Antoine Vermette to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for goalie Pascal Leclaire and a 2nd-round pick in 2009. Brochu's take: This trade has been rumored for a few days now. If Leclaire can regain his form from a year ago, this could become a steal for the Sens. Vermette should help the centre depth on the BJs, but I really don't see him as a top 6 forward.

The Phoenix Coyotes also traded defenseman Derek Morris to the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Dmitri Kalinin and forwards Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha. Brochu's take: Don Maloney's role as ex-assistant GM of the Rangers comes into play again. I think the Coyotes get the better deal, as Dawes and Prucha are good young players, while Kalinin provides veteran depth. Morris has been rumored to multiple teams, but his price has been driven up by the lack of quality defenseman available.

Bouwmeester, Morris, Pronger Rumor Update

This is the latest rumor report on Jay Bouwmeester and Derek Morris:

The Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers remain the frontrunners in the Bouwmeester sweepstakes. However, the Canucks are believed to be comfortable with their team and willing to stand pat. Brochu's take: If Bouwmeester is even traded at all, it will probably be to Philly, if they somehow free up some salary cap space.

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun is reporting a rumor from colleague E.J. Hradek that the Phoenix Coyotes would send Derek Morris and Ilya Bryzgalov to the Flyers in exchange for Joffrey Lupul, Scottie Upshall and Martin Biron. The Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins and Flyers all remain the likely destination for Morris. Brochu's take: Biron has a no trade clause that he would have to waive for that deal to go through. I'm betting Morris goes to Boston. Source

According to Sportsnet, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray has let NHL teams know that he will not trade Chris Pronger at the deadline. Brochu's take: But he will probably get shopped at the entry draft or the summer.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 3, 2009

The calm before the storm...

According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, the Pittsburgh Penguins have had talks with the Ottawa Senators about re-acquiring forward Jarkko Ruutu. Brochu's take: The Pens have had a lack of grit this year, but you can expect GM Bryan Murray to gouge the Penguins for as much as possible.

LeBrun is also reporting that Derek Morris has given the Phoenix Coyotes a list of teams he is willing to waive his no trade clause to. The list is believed to contain only teams from the Eastern Conference and considered to be "contenders." One known team are the Boston Bruins. Source

Sportsnet is reporting that Sens defenseman Filip Kuba is willing to waive his no trade clause.

Damien Cox of the Toronto Star is reporting that "multiple" teams are calling the Tampa Bay Lightning about the availability of forward Martin St. Louis. St. Louis has a no trade clause, and has not been asked to waive it. The New York Rangers are among the most interested, and Cox believes a package of young players, such as prospect Evgeny Grachev. Brochu's take: St. Louis is going nowhere, unless the Bolts get blown away by a deal. Source

Atlanta Thrashers forward Eric Perrin hopes he will be traded at the trade deadline. “I’m disappointed I’m at this point with this organization,” said Perrin, who has 15 points this season, with five goals and 10 assists. “I thought I’d proven something, that I’d be a part of the rebuilding. I thought I deserved a better fate.” Brochu's take: Taking a shot at the team isn' going to win him any favors. Expect Perrin to be shipped out. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 1, 2009

Speculation is rampant late tonight that the New York Islanders have finalized a trade with an Eastern Conference team, and forward Bill Guerin has agreed to waive his no trade clause. Chris Botta of the Islanders blog "Islanders Point Blank" is reporting that a deal is all but done and should be confirmed Sunday. Brochu's take: The rumor is that the Washington Capitals is his destination, but there's also speculation that it could be the Montreal Canadiens. I guess we'll know when the NHL offices open tomorrow. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that defenseman Derek Morris has given Phoenix Coyotes GM Don Maloney a list of teams he would be willing to lift his no-trade clause to join. In the meantime, Morris plans to sit out and not play for risk of injury. Source

Pierre LeBrun has made a post on his ESPN blog about the latest trade rumors, I will just go over the names that have not appeared previously:

The St. Louis Blues are interested in re-acquiring Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger. Brochu's take: They have the cap space, but I would imagine they would have to trade of their good young defensive prospects and more to get him back.

The Boston Bruins may be targeting Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle and Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris, as they are no longer in the Pronger hunt.

LeBrun reports that impending UFA Alex Burrows could be moved by the Vancouver Canucks if he hasn't signed an extension by the trade deadline. Brochu's take: I don't agree. I think they will keep him even if he doesn't sign at the deadline, and I expect a deal to be hammered before he reaches free agency.

Five teams have expressed interest in Phoenix forward Olli Jokinen.

The Detroit Red Wings are very interested in Colorado Avalanche forward Ian Laperriere, and several teams have inquired about forward Milan Hejduk. Brochu's take: I would imagine Hejduk would make any team that much more dangerous. Laperriere would provide a veteran presence.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jamal Mayers is now on the trading block.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 24, 2009

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets are interested in Buffalo Sabres forward Tim Connolly. The Sabres are willing to trade the forward, because he is due to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and it's unlikely that they will re-sign the injury troubled centre. Brochu's take: Connolly would be a good fit in Columbus, as they are still looking for a centre for their top two lines.

Pittsburgh Penguins scouts have been following the Blue Jackets closely lately. Also, Jackets scouts have been attending several Tampa Bay Lightning games. The most rumored names being tossed around are defenseman Rostislav Klesla and forward Jeff Halpern. Source

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, there is a "very good chance" that the Anaheim Ducks will trade Chris Pronger at some point. Teams such as the Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames and several other teams are monitoring the situation closely. McKenzie also believes that the Ducks could shop Chris Kunitz to get some salary cap space in the summer. Brochu's take: All those teams McKenzie mentions have some serious cap issues IF they want to bring Pronger in. And something tells me Pronger doesn't want to go back to Alberta. Source

The New York Rangers have officially announced John Tortorella as the new head coach, but McKenzie's blog states that "sources say there may have been other potentially "inappropriate" contact between the Ranger organization and members of the Lightning." The NHL is investigating and while there has been much discussion between all involved parties, it's not out of the question that the Lightning will file formal tampering charges against the Rangers. Brochu's take: I think this has to do with Bolts assistant coach Mike Sullivan, who HAD a clause in his contract that stated he could leave the team to join Tortorella. I'm sure this will be settled privately unless Tampa plays hardball.

Allan Maki of the Globe and Mail is reporting that the Calgary Flames have a keen interest in re-acquiring Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris. Brochu's take: GM Don Maloney has let the league know that Morris is available, and the Flames desperately need re-inforcements. I would think a 3rd round pick would do the trick. Source

Pierre McGuire on a New York radio station stated that the Rangers are shopping forward Scott Gomez, and there is some definite interest. Brochu's take: Not dismissing McGuire's sources, but when do you remember a player with a massive contract (term and dollar value) being traded at the deadline?

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 17, 2009

The Boston Herald is reporting that Edmonton Oilers forward Erik Cole is, according to "one NHL source", is telling his friends that he expects to be a Boston Bruin soon. Most speculation focused on Vladimir Sobotka and defenseman Matt Lashoff as trade bait for the impending unrestricted free agent. Brochu's take: The Oilers are still fighting for a playoff spot, so it would be odd if they traded Cole now. Source

According to Mark Spector of Sportsnet, Phoenix Coyotes GM Don Maloney has told defenseman Derek Morris that he will be unable to sign the 30-year old. He has offered a one-year contract, but because of Phoenix's financial situation, there are unable to offer a longer term. Brochu's take: This pretty much means Morris is done in Phoenix, as Maloney can't let him go to free agency without getting something in return.

TSN is reporting that Tomas Kaberle has waived his no trade clause and given the Toronto Maple Leafs a list of 10 teams he is willing to be traded to. All the teams are in the Eastern Conference, and it's believed whichever team has Frantisek Kaberle could have the edge. Brochu's take: Eliminating the non-playoff teams, you can figure out exactly which teams are on the list. As for Frantisek, he remains with the Carolina Hurricanes organization, awaiting a potential recall on re-entry waivers.

The latest rumors from the Hotstove

Here are the latest hockey and NHL rumors from CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, The Hotstove:

Pierre LeBrun reports that the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers are the front-runners in the Jay Bouwmeester sweepstakes. GM Jacques Martin has confirmed that he is talking to teams about possible offers, but is also in serious contract negotiations with Bouwmeester and his agent. LeBrun also reports that Bouwmeester has turned down a contract offer worth $6.5 million a season. Brochu's take: The Panthers are now in a playoff position, so it makes trading Bouwmeester even harder. However, it's crystal clear now that Bouwmeester does not want to re-sign with Florida though.

It was also reported that several Colorado Avalanche players are available, notably defenseman Jordan Leopold, forward Ryan Smyth and forward Ian Laperriere. The Boston Bruins are very interested in Leopold. Brochu's take: Leopold seems to be on top of several GM lists around the league.

The panel also reported the rumor that's being going around the last few days, that Olli Jokinen is not fitting into the Phoenix Coyotes team (on and off the ice) and is on the market. Brochu's take: The rumor continues to be that the Montreal Canadiens are the most active team pursuing Jokinen.

The Hockeycentral panel on Sportnet is speculating that the Edmonton Oilers could pursue 'Yotes defenseman Derek Morris.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 14, 2009

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Phoenix Coyotes are not conducting a fire sale, but have let other NHL teams know that several players are available. Dreger mentions that forward Olli Jokinen, defenseman Derek Morris and defenseman Ed Jovanovski are up for grabs, if the right deal came along. The Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames are believed to be interested in Jokinen, while the Habs are also pursuing Morris. Brochu's take: It's not a trade deadline unless there's a Jokinen rumor! Dreger reports that there are definitely talks between the Coyotes and Habs, so you should probably keep an eye on the situation.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

There are reports from Sweden that several NHL teams are interested in goaltender Jonas Gustavsson. Scouts from the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets have been watching the young Swedish goalie. The 24-year old Gustavsson stars for Farjestad, and currently has a sparking .933 save percentage and 1.93 GAA in 37 games. Brochu's take: Another Swedish gem? Some have compared him to Henrik Lundqvist. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 10, 2009

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forward Andy McDonald to a four-year, $18.8 million contract extension. Brochu's take: A fair price for a point-a-game player. Good move by the Blues.

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the Montreal Canadiens and Phoenix Coyotes are in trade discussions. Forward Olli Jokinen and defenseman Derek Morris were mentioned as possible targets. Brochu's take: The Habs are still looking to make a big splash on the trade front, but has done nothing yet. Their recent struggles might trigger a move.
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke gave a clear indication that Nik Antropov is done as a Leaf. "From my take, at this point, I don't see any reason to put a new contract offer on the table here," Burke told AM 640. "I think that this might be time for a change of scenery for Nik Antropov. I don't think Nik's play has merited that discussion to this point." Brochu's take: You got to give credit, he certainly cuts to the point. This really doesn't hurt Antropov's value as he was already on the market. Source

On Toronto radio station AM640, Burke also mentioned that certain players from the Leafs AHL affiliate Marlies will be recalled on re-entry waivers before the end of the season. Burke specifically mentioned forwards Mark Bell, Kris Newbury, Boyd Devereux and Bates Battaglia. Brochu's take: Clearing roster space? In a recent interview with The Hockey News, Burke said he wanted to build a "fair" organization, where players will be given chances to play for the Leafs, or another NHL team.

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed defenseman Lasse Kukkonen on re-entry waivers. Brochu's take: Poor guy has been on waivers a good 3 or 4 times this season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed defenseman Wade Brookbank on waivers today, and have recalled defenseman Josef Melichar on re-entry waivers.

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.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 18, 2009

Here's the latest NHL rumor report from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

League sources say the Tampa Bay Lightning have been shopping Lecavalier because his no-movement clause doesn't kick in until July 1 and that there's also a disagreement between co-owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie on what direction the club should take with its superstar. It appears that Koules wants Lecavalier to stay, while Barrie is telling GM Brian Lawton to see what he can get in return. Brochu's take: Al Strachan on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program "The Hotstove" also added that the deal seems to be stalling because the Montreal Canadiens don't want to give up defenseman Andrei Markov. Pierre Lebrun also stated that Montreal would be Vinny's top destination IF he was asked to provide a list of teams he would like to be traded to. Adds more fuel to the fire.

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to move forward Daniel Briere, but the salary and term of the contract will make it nearly impossible. Garrioch suggests that the Flyers will move defenseman Randy Jones or forward Joffrey Lupul in order to make room for Briere. Brochu's take: Joffrey and Jones have been in the rumor mill for months now. But the Flyers will be forced to make a roster move once Briere is healthy.

"There's a lot of talk the [Edmonton] Oilers will move [forward] Erik Cole if he doesn't agree to a contract extension before the trade deadline." Brochu's take: Not if the Oilers are still in the playoff hunt.

"The Bolts are expected to send forward Adam Hall back to the [Pittsburgh] Penguins for a draft pick." Brochu's take: Very likely to happen.

The Phoenix Coyotes may hold a firesale at the trade deadline, with the likes of defensemen Ed Jovanovski and Derek Morris, and forward Olli Jokinen being offered up as the club tries to shed salary. Brochu's take: Garrioch and his "league" sources again. I don't expect a firesale until the summer though.

Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini confirmed that newly acquired goalie Dany Sabourin will not play for the Oilers, and will try to trade him or send him to the minors in the next week.

The New York Islanders are still looking for a goaltender after Wade Dubielewicz was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Rumour is that they are looking at Vancouver Canucks goalie Curtis Sanford, who cleared waivers earlier this week.

NHL free agent signings for July 22, 2008

Look for my rumor report sometime later this week.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed left wing Ryan Donally to a two-year contract and forwards Josh Green and Troy Bodie to one-year contracts. The Ducks also signed their first round draft pick in the 2007 NHL Entry draft, Logan MacMillan to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with forward Hugh Jessiman.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed defenseman Kevin Marshall.

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed left wing Riley Armstrong and right wing Mike Morris to one-year contracts. The Sharks also signed goaltenders Tyson Sexsmith and Timo Pielmeier to three-year contracts.

The Phoenix Coyotes have re-signed forward Daniel Carcillo to a two-year contract.

Poll Results:

What's been the dumbest signing so far?

Jeff Finger (4 years, $14 million)	222 (51%)
Cristobal Huet (4 years, $22.4 milllion)	19 (4%)
Brian Campbell (8 years, $56.8 million)	27 (6%)
Michael Ryder (3 years, $12 million)	32 (7%)
Wade Redden (6 years, $39 million)	86 (20%)
Mike Commodore (5 years, $18.75 million)	37 (8%)
Other	5 (1%)

Total Votes: 428

Thanks to everyone who voted in the polls! And in this case, the Jeff Finger deal won, but really there are only losers in this poll. ;-)

Morris to Philly, Shelley to Oilers?

These rumours are courtesy of Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Philadelphia Flyers are interested in acquiring defenseman Derek Morris from the Phoenix Coyotes. Morris will be making around $3.9 million for the next two seasons. It's believed the Boston Bruins have also called the 'Yotes about Morris.

The Oilers have an interest in Columbus tough guy Jody Shelley, who has been a healthy scratch of late. The Oilers are looking for toughness in their bottom six forwards.

Columbus GM Scott Howson and defenseman Duvie Westcott will speak to NHL director of hockey operations Colin Campbell on Monday to discuss Wescott's crosscheck to Colorado's Scott Parker on Saturday. A suspension seem unlikely, but the league is trying to crack down on stick infractions.