Hockey Rumors for Feb 2, 2010

Happy Groundhog Day!

The Calgary Flames have traded forwards Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust to the New York Rangers in exchange for forwards Ales Kotalik and Chris Higgins. Brochu's take: This trade has been rumored for 24 hours, and it was believed that Kotalik's no trade clause was holding it up. The Flames wanted Jokinen in the lineup tonight, for some odd reason.

The Anaheim Ducks have placed defenseman Nick Boynton on waivers.

The New York Islanders have placed forward Trevor Gillies on waivers.

According to the Team 1040 in Vancouver, there is a rumor that the Vancouver Canucks are interested in acquiring Scott Niedermayer from the Anaheim Ducks. There is speculation that he wants to spend his last season in the NHL closer to home. Several Ducks' scouts were spotted at the last Toronto-Vancouver game.

Niedermayer, Brunnstrom potential tradebait?

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, both Anaheim Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer and Dallas Stars forward Fabian Brunnstrom are available. Niedermayer doesn't have a no-trade-clause, but would like to stay with Anaheim. Brochu's take: I don't think there's much interest in Brunnstrom, considering his terrible production this season. If the Ducks are out of playoff contention, look for the offers to pour in for Niedermayer around the trade deadline. Source

Hockey and NHL rumors for Sept 29, 2009

It's been a busy couple of days in terms of NHL transactions, so I should be caught up by tomorrow.

The New Jersey Devils have signed forward Rob Niedermayer to a one-year deal. The Devils have also signed forward Andrew Peters to a two-year deal.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed forward Milan Hejduk to a one-year contract extension.

The Boston Bruins have signed forward Guillaume Lefebvre to a one-year, two-way deal.

The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenseman Steve McCarthy to the Atlanta Thrashers for future considerations.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward James Wright to a three-year entry-level contract.

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Darryl Sydor to a one-year contract.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Ryan Bayda to a one-year, two-way deal.

The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Anton Klementyev to a three-year, entry-level deal.

Hockey and NHL rumors for Sept 22, 2009

The Nashville Predators have signed defenseman Francis Bouillon to a one-year, $750,000 contract.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed forward Ryan O’Reilly to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed defenseman Tyler Hostetter to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Anton Babchuk has signed a deal with Avangard Omsk of the KHL. Source

New York Rangers forward Nikolai Zherdev has signed with Russian team HK Atlant.

According to TSN and other Russian sources, KHL team CSKA Moskva (Moscow) has had discussions with free agent forward Rob Niedermayer. Source

Latest NHL signings! Part II

Update as of 1:00 PM PST

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Mike Knuble to a 2-year, $5.6 million contract.

The New York Rangers have signed enforcer Donald Brashear to a 2-year, $2.8 million contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed defenseman Scott Niedermayer to a 1-year, $6 million contract, with bonuses.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Aaron Rome to a 1-year, $550,000 contract.

The Nashville Predators have re-signed forward Joel Ward to a 2-year, $3 million contract.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed defenseman Lukas Krajicek to a one-year deal.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed goalie Brian Boucher to a 2-year, $1.85 million contract.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenseman Jaroslav Spacek to a 3-year, $11.5 million contract. Brochu's take: I think we can safely say that GM Bob Gainey has lost his marbles.

Pre-draft rumor update!

It's only 30 minutes to the NHL Entry Draft, here's a quick review of today's rumors. Don't forget, I'll be live-blogging for the next few hours! I will be posting the big trades here, but rumors and breaking stuff will be on my Twitter account. http://twitter.com/Brochuishockey (it's also in the column on your right)

TSN is reporting that defenseman Scott Niedermayer has decided to return for one more season of hockey, and it will be with the Anaheim Ducks. This almost certainly means that Chris Pronger will be traded, most likely during the draft.

The Boston Bruins have offered restricted free agent forward Phil Kessel and a draft pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Tomas Kaberle. Brochu's take: This is probably that "significant" offer they got yesterday.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that the St. Louis Blues are definitely interested in restricted free agent goalie Josh Harding, along with 4 other NHL teams. It's likely that Harding will be traded sometime this summer. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 21, 2009

According to the Team 1040 radio in Vancouver, brothers Scott and Rob Niedermayer would be interested in playing for the Vancouver Canucks. Their agent, Kevin Epps, confirmed that the pair would consider Vancouver as a "definitely possible" destination for them this summer, as they are both due to become unrestricted free agents this summer. Before signing with the Anaheim Ducks, the Niedermayer brothers considered signing with the Canucks. Brochu's take: This would be a very interesting scenario this summer, as the top target for the Canucks is a puck-moving defenseman. There's a possibility that they might take a hometown discount to play together, but the Niedermayers have indicated that is not a necessity. Source

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Kyle Beach to a three-year, entry-level contract. Beach was the Hawks' first round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed free agent forward Matthew Pistilli to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 20-year old has spent the last 5 seasons with the Shawinigan Cataractes and Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The New York Rangers have reported signed free agent defenseman Ilkka Heikkinen to a contract. The 24 year old blueliner has spent the past two seasons with HIFK in the SM-Liiga. Source

Begin for Janik, Whitney for Kunitz, Tangradi

The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded defenseman Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks for forward Chris Kunitz and prospect Eric Tangradi. Brochu's take: Very curious trade. This means that one of Pronger of Niedermayer won't be back next season. Tangradi was just signed to an entry level contract, and Kunitz still has several years left on his contract.

The Montreal Canadiens have traded forward Steve Begin to the Dallas Stars for defenseman Doug Janik. Brochu's take: GM Bob Gainey is hooking up with his old buddies in Dallas once again. But the only positive I see in this trade is that it clears cap space for the Habs...perhaps a bigger trade in the works? Janik is currently in the AHL.

According to TSN, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mathieu Dandenault has requested a trade, and an NHL source is saying that GM Bob Gainey has agreed to help him out. Brochu's take: Whoa. What is going on in Montreal? That's three Habs veterans that want/are out. Another cap clearing move?

The Ottawa Senators have placed goalie Martin Gerber on re-entry waivers. Brochu's take: Rumors are flying that the Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres are interested.

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed forward Glen Metropolit and defenseman Ossi Vaananen on waivers. Brochu's take: Look for a rumor report late tonight or earlier tomorrow, I have more on this cap clearing move.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have placed forward Chris Minard on waivers.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 11, 2009

After clearing waivers, the Dallas Stars have assigned forward Sean Avery to the Hartford Wolf Pack, the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers. It's presumed that after several games, the Stars will re-call Avery through re-entry waivers, and the Rangers will pick him up. Brochu's take: Of course, it's entirely possible, if not probable, that some other NHL team will pick up Avery before the Rangers get a chance. Also, like Bob McKenzie says in his blog, the Stars could just keep Avery in the minors as long as possible and not make a decision at all.

The Edmonton Oilers have denied a local report that forward Jaromir Jagr is close to joining the team. According to the Edmonton Journal, a Czech source says Jagr is close to finalizing a deal that would see him join the Oilers for the remainder of the season. Jagr is currently playing with KHL team Avangard Omsk. Brochu's take: Not only that, he would have to clear waivers before he can come back to the NHL. Jagr does not have an out clause in his three-year contract with Omsk, but it's quite possible that he could sign with Edmonton in the summer. The Oilers offered a contract last summer, and with the KHL facing economic uncertainty, Jagr could contemplate a return to the NHL. Source

There's been a lot of speculation that the Anaheim Ducks are looking to shop defenseman Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer. According to NJ.com, the New Jersey Devils could be interested in both players. Brochu's take: I think the Ducks will hang on to Pronger. As for Niedermayer, it's unknown if he wants to return in 2009-2010. But rumors are that he would be willing to accept a trade to four teams: The Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames and the Devils. Source

According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey held a meeting with the coaching staff in Montreal before the team left for its six-game road trip this week. LeBrun believes that the Canadiens will be active, and will be willing to trade some of their young assets or some of their impending free agents to "right the ship." Brochu's take: Tomas Plekanec's name has been tossed around the rumor mill, with the Chicago Blackhawks the most interested. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 30, 2009

The New York Rangers have traded forward Dan Fritsche to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Erik Reitz. Frtische cleared waivers on Wednesday.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed forward George Parros to a three-year contract extension. The deal is believed to be worth $875,000 annually. Brochu's take: It was supposed to be a two-year contract, but his moustache got an extra year.

According to USA Today hockey writer Kevin Allen, there are many players believed to be available before the March 4 trade deadline. Among the most talked about are Ottawa Senators forward Dean McAmmond, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Sean O'Donnell, Nashville Predators defenseman Greg De Vries and forward Radek Bonk. Allen also believes it's possible that the Anaheim Ducks could shop one of their impending UFAs, a group which includes Brendan Morrison, Steve Montador, Todd Marchant, Sami Pahlsson, Travis Moen, and both Niedermayer brothers. Brochu's take: Allen lists others, but they have been all reported earlier in rumors. I don't think the Ducks will shop anyone yet, as they are fighting for a playoff spot. Source

The Chicago Blackhawks are considering re-signing forward Martin Havlat. Havlat is in the last year of his $6 million a year deal. Brochu's take: Rumours of the Hawks wanting to trade Havlat have really died down. His strong play and injury-free status this year should get him a good contract in the offseason. Source

Bouwmeester wants out?

According to New York source Newsday, a source close to defenseman Jay Bouwmeester has said that he wants out of Florida. Brochu's take: Expect the bidding to be high for him. Source

The Panthers have also put forward Jozef Stumpel on waivers.

The Vancouver Canucks have claimed Toronto Maple Leafs forward Kyle Wellwood off waivers.

The Ottawa Senators have traded tough guy Brian McGrattan to the the Phoenix Coyotes for a 5th round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry draft.

Sources are saying that the Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed Vincent Lecavalier to a 9 year, $77 million contract extension. As per CBA rules, the deal cannot be finalized until July 1.

The Anaheim Ducks official website is saying that it's very likely that defenseman Scott Niedermayer will return for the 2008-2009 season. Niedermayer has only one year left on his contract. Brochu's take: This could potentially cause cap problems for the Ducks this summer. Look for one of their defenseman to be shopped. Source

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forwards Joe Pavelski and Jeremy Roenick and backup goaltender Brian Boucher on Wednesday.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have bought out the final year of Marc Denis' contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. Denis cleared waivers Wednesday. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for May 23, 2008

The Vancouver Canucks have given head coach Alain Vigneault a one-year extension. GM Mike Gillis also confirmed the firing of assistant coaches Barry Smith and Mike Kelly. Gillis also added that he will be directly involved in the hiring of new assistant coaches. Brochu's take: Gillis is definitely going the unconventional route of hockey management. There's a rumor that he is looking at the AHL Chicago Wolves coach John Anderson. I'm looking forward to seeing what he does with the players' side.

The Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday that the club has appointed Tony Granato as the team's head coach. Granato previously served in the role from 2002-2004.

The Dallas Stars have signed co-GMs Brett Hull and Les Jackson to contracts that will remain in their positions through the 2010-11 season.

According to the LA Times, Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke has told both Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne that they will have until the 2008 NHL Entry Draft (June 20th and 21st) to let Burke know of their intentions to play or not. Niedermayer has one year left on his deal while Selanne is an unrestricted free agent. Brochu's take: Burkie's not going to give the same leeway he gave Niedermayer and Selanne last year.

The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Karl Alzner to a three-year, entry level contract. Alzner was the 5th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Source

The New Jersey Devils have re-signed defensemen Mike Mottau and Sheldon Brookbank to contracts.

The Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman Maxim Noreau to a multi-year contract.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Harrison Reed to a three-year, entry-level contract. Reed received a $100,000 signing bonus for signing the deal and will make an average of $500,000 per season if he makes the Hurricanes, or $55,000 per season in the minor leagues. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have come to terms with forward Rylan Kaip and defenseman Arturs Kulda. Source

The latest Brunnstrom and NHL rumors

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have a "slight edge" in the Fabian Brunnstrom sweepstakes. Maple Leafs assistant GM Jeff Jackson and Brunnstrom's agent JP Barry have had discussions this week that both characterize as encouraging. The Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks are also strong in the running, while the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators have all made late bids. Brochu's take: Dreger's been reporting later than most rumormongers about Brunnstrom, and almost all his rumors have something to do with the Leafs. Brunnstrom is expected to make his decision in the next few weeks so we'll all see by then. Source

With the elimination of the Anaheim Ducks in 6 games by the Dallas Stars, rumours are already spreading that this spells the end of Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne and Brian Burke. Neidermayer and Selanne are unlikely to return next year, and will most likely retire. Burke is still being heavily pursued by the Toronto Maple Leafs for their vacant GM position.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Swedish free agent forward Linus Videll is close to signing a two-year deal with the Nashville Predators. Videll scored 13 goals and 26 points with Sodertalje of the SEL in 2007-2008. Brochu's take: A big 6'3 winger, Videll needs to work on skating to make it in the NHL. Source

Scott Niedermayer will return, Stoll on the block

Various sources have confirmed that the Anaheim Ducks have called a press conference for 6:30 PM PST where it's expected they will announce that Scott Niedermayer will return for the remainder of the season.

TSN's Ice Chips feature is reporting that Edmonton Oilers centre Jarret Stoll is rumored to be on the trading block.

Poll Results:

Which Canadian team has been the most impressive so far?

Calgary Flames	10 (2%)
Edmonton Oilers	21 (5%)
Montreal Canadiens	77 (18%)
Ottawa Senators	183 (44%)
Toronto Maple Leafs	14 (3%)
Vancouver Canucks	102 (25%)

Total Votes: 407

Big rumour update, part 2

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, sources close to Scott Niedermayer suggest he is prepared to return to the NHL team in the near future, possibly at the end of this week. The Anaheim Ducks have to clear space for Niedermayer for this year and next year, even if Niedermayer does not play the 2008-2009 season. Multiple NHL sources have confirmed that the Ducks have been trying to free up this "tagging" room by having trade talks all this week. Sources suggest that any defensman not named Chris Pronger could be moved, including Mathieu Schneider, Francois Beauchemin and Sean O'Donnell. Source

Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail suggests that the Ducks could unload Todd Marchant and his $2.157 million contract by enticing other teams with a draft pick. Source

Various sources have confirmed that the Pittsburgh Penguins have placed Mark Recchi on waivers. There are rumors that the Islanders may be interested.

The Islanders blog on Newsday is speculating that the New York Islanders could package prospect Jeff Tambellini and a spare defenseman for a proven scorer or a top prospect. The Islanders are in a scoring slump, having scored 2 or less goals in their last 13 games.

Recchi available?

According to PJ Stock on the Team 990 in Montreal, Mark Recchi's days as a Pittsburgh Penguin could soon be over. Recchi has struggled early this season and was a healthy scratch last Thursday. There are rumors that the veterans on the Penguins were unhappy with the move and coach Michel Therrien could be the next NHL coach to be fired this season.

The New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning will be opening the 2008-2009 season with a two-game series in Prague. The Czech promoters were able to come up with the funds to cover the Rangers' revenue from the one home game at MSG. Source

Darren Pang of Fox Sports Arizona is reporting that Scott Niedermayer may be returning by December 10.

Brochu's European round-up:

Juuso Riksman has left the St. Louis Blues AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen, saying he wants to return to Europe. Riksman has been suspended by the team. Source

Forward Tomas Kana has left the Blues ECHL affiliate, the Alaska Aces, and signed with HC Vitkovice of the Czech Extraliga. Source

Big Senators-Kings trade?

According to Kevin Lee on XM Radio, Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray is considering a package deal that would involve Ray Emery, Patrick Eaves and a prospect for a forward and a goaltender. The LA Kings are rumoured to be their destination. Jason LaBarbera would be coming back in return. As for the foward, a few names are out there. Dustin Brown, Patrick O'Sullivan, Alexander Frolov or Michal Handzus. Also, GM Murray and his assistant GM Tim Murray were both in Binghamton on Friday, leading to speculation that he was watching which prospect would be involved in the trade.

In other Senators news, the Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins are rumoured to be in discussions to play their 2008-2009 season openers in Sweden. Swedish media reports indicate the games would take place in the Globen Arena in Stockholm on October 4-5, 2008. Sources have indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs were their first choice, but the Leafs could not come to terms financially. Source

Scott Niedermayer skated for a second time on Thursday, but remains unsure whether he will return to the Anaheim Ducks or retire. "No decision has been made," Niedermayer said. "Really, there is no change in anything right now, other than the fact I'm skating. When the decision does come, if it is to go back and play, I'm a little bit closer." Source

Avalanche acquire Bacashihua

The Colorado Avalanche have acquired goaltender Jason Bacashihua from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2008 NHL entry draft. The Avs assigned Bacashihua to Lake Erie, the team's AHL affiliate in Cleveland. TSN

The LA Times is reporting that Scott Niedermayer has begun skating and could return to the Ducks by mid-December. Niedermayer's agent, Kevin Epp told the LA Times that the four-time Stanley Cup Champion has not yet made a decision and that he does not expect the defenceman to make one for "another month" but that the 34-year old Niedermayer has been practicing with former Ducks Travis Green and Jeff Friesen. TSN

Kevin Bieksa is feared to be injured worse than first thought, and could be out for months instead of weeks. This has added fuel to speculation that the Vancouver Canucks are close to dealing for a defenseman. TSN

Steen, Jovo swap?

According to the NHL blog on Expressen.se, the Phoenix Coyotes are very interested in acquiring Alex Steen. The Coyotes were close to acquiring the Maple Leafs forward in the summer, but they have increased their efforts lately. They believe Steen would fit well into their young team. Gunnar Nordström also believes that the Maple Leafs may try to get Ed Jovanovski in return to boost their blueline. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that Scott Niedermayer has established a personal deadline on his decision to return or retire. The veteran defenceman says he has been working out, staying in shape and is just starting to intensify his routine. Niedermayer admits a decision on his playing future will be made well before Christmas. Source

Anson Carter has committed to playing for HC Lugano in the Swiss Nationalliga A, starting from the international match break. Carter was unavailable to secure an NHL contract. Source

Jason Spezza has signed a 7 year, $49 million contract extension with the Ottawa Senators. The contract contains a no trade clause.

Emery being shopped?

According to Slapshot.ch, Ray Emery may be shopped. Emery is currently out with a wrist injury, while the Senators are riding on the hot hand of backup Martin Gerber. The Swiss article seems to be focusing on Emery's off-ice activities as basis for these rumours, so take it for what it's worth. Source

St. Louis are willing to buy out Petr Cajanek, however, they want SC Bern to pay the amount. Bern GM Sven Leuenberger wants to add Cajanek as a replacement to the retired Patrik Stefan. The two parties are still discussing options. Source

Another Scott Niedermayer update...or non-update. In an interview with the OC Register, Niedermayer is looking forward to the Stanley Cup banner unveiling Wednesday night, and it has him thinking about his future: Source

"Yeah, I'm in quite a different situation than I've ever been before," Niedermayer said. "To be able to go there and be a part of putting that banner up to the ceiling, to be there to support everybody who was part of that, is a great moment. I knew it was going to be a big moment, going back to the rink, There will be some different feelings on my part, as to what the future holds."

"I'm going to have to make a decision sooner or later. I don't have a time frame. It's hard for me to judge 'soon' — within two weeks, or two months. I don't know exactly what 'soon' means. I hope the sooner the better, but there still could be some time here."