NHL and Hockey Rumors for July 20, 2009

Atlanta Thrashers forward Joe Motzko has left the organization and signed with HC MVD of the KHL.

Florida Panthers forward Janis Sprukts has left the organization and signed with Latvian/KHL club Dinamo Riga. Brochu's take: Sprukts always brings memories back of that crazy rumor he was going to sign with the Habs. I don't think we'll see him in the NHL again.

Phoenix Coyotes forward Joakim Lindstrom has left the organization and signed with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in Russia.

Detroit Red Wings forward Jiri Hudler has signed a two-year deal with Dynamo Moskva (Moscow) worth approximately $2-3 million a year. Brochu's take: Sorry, I haven't had time to comment before. The matter is now being decided by the IIHF, and it's been reported that the KHL and NHL will comply with their ruling. The issue seems to be that Hudler went to arbitration, thus meaning he "owes" the Wings one year.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Jason Ward to a one-year contract.

Forward Mike Iggulden has left the New York Islanders and signed with Dinamo Riga.

The Panthers have signed forward Evgeni Dadonov to a three-year, entry-level contract.

NHL trade deadline round-up: Part 5

The Atlanta Thrashers traded forward Alex Giroux to the Washington Capitals for forward Joe Motzko.

The San Jose Sharks signed goaltender Brian Boucher to a one-year contract. Source

The New York Islanders re-signed forward Mike Comrie to a one-year, $4 million contract extension.

Are there any more? Email or leave a comment.

Poll results:

Should the NHL trade deadline be moved later?

Yes	29 (23%)
No	42 (33%)
Should be moved earlier	53 (42%)

Total votes: 124

Should neck guards be mandatory?

Yes	59 (39%)
No	91 (60%)

Total votes: 150