NHL and Hockey Rumors for July 6, 2009

The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Clay Wilson to a two-year contract.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed forward Trevor Frischmon to a one-year deal.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Toronto Maple Leafs are rumored to be signing Swedish forward Rickard Wallin. Wallin is the captain of Swedish club Farjestad. Source

The New Jersey Devils have signed forward Ilkka Pikkarainen. Pikkarainen returns to the organization after spending three seasons with Finnish club HIFK. Source

The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Matt Nickerson. Nickerson spent last season with Ilves of the SM-Liiga. Source

The St. Louis Blues have signed goalie Hannu Toivonen. Toivonen returns to the NHL after spending 2008-2009 with Ilves.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Steve McCarthy. McCarthy spent last season with KHL club Salavat Yulaev.

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