NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 14, 2008

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, "a report out of Columbus indicated the Blue Jackets have targeted [Ottawa] Senators defenseman Chris Phillips and the talk is GM Scott Howson has contacted [GM Bryan] Murray. Phillips has a no-movement clause in his contract and would have to approve any deal." Brochu's take: There's been a Sens scout at every Columbus home game this season, so you never know. There have also been scouts looking at Nikita Filatov, who's currently in the AHL. Source

Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks are closing in on a deal with the Washington Capitals to acquire Michael Nylander. Brochu's take: One of the summer's "hottest" NHL rumors, Nylander still has a no-movement clause. The Hawks are still pushing the salary cap. Source

TSN is reporting that Carolina Hurricanes' GM Jim Rutherford was formally offered the dual position as president and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs in August of 2007, at which time John Ferguson Jr. was still in place as the GM of the team. Rutherford ultimately refused the offer to stay with the Canes. Brochu's take: This kind of news is never good for the parties. It looks bad for John Ferguson Jr, and it looks bad for the Leafs. Going behind the back of a GM never looks good. Source

The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman John Carlson to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed defenseman Lasse Kukkonen on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Janne Niskala has officially signed with Frölunda of the Swedish Elite League. Niskala was given permission to play in Europe after passing through waivers. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 6, 2008

Free agent forward Glen Murray is expected to undergo another ankle surgery next week. Murray and his agent Anton Thun believe the injury occurred before the buyout. Murray is expected to file a grievance with the National Hockey League Players Association and according to Thun it is possible an arbitrator could challenge the buyout and award the former Bruin full payment rather than the two-thirds he will receive over a two year period. Brochu's take: Regardless of the buyout situation, Murray does not seem likely to play in the NHL this season. Source

The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward David Desharnais to a two-year, two-way contract.

The New York Rangers have placed forward Andreas Jamtin on waivers.

The Colorado Avalanche have placed forward Scott Parker on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Janne Niskala has been re-assigned to Finland after clearing waivers on Wednesday. Niskala will join the Finnish National Team, and will later sign with a club in the Finnish SM-Liiga. Source

Free agent defenseman David Liffiton has signed with Danish club Esbjerg fB Ishockey. Liffiton was not re-signed by the New York Rangers this summer.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 5, 2008

During TSN's broadcast of the NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators, analyst Bob McKenzie mentioned that Canucks defensemen Mattias Ohlund and Kevin Bieksa have both been in the rumor mill, and several teams have been asking if they are available. McKenzie suggests that teams with surplus offensive players, such as the Philadephia Flyers, could help out the Canucks, while at the same time shed some salary to fit free agent Brendan Shanahan. Brochu's take: McKenzie also mentioned the possibilty of a Joffrey Lupul or Jeff Carter moving. It will take a good package to pry those steady defenseman out of Vancouver.

According to the Sun Sentinel, Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin spoke about the Panthers’ tepid start and noted that he’s considering moving some veteran players who aren’t producing. “When I look at our performance so far, I don’t think it’s good enough,” Martin said. “We made some moves in the offseason and some of our players have to be better. Some of our veterans have to give us a better performance.” Brochu's take: Since there's not exactly a surplus of veterans on the Cats' roster, I would assume he is speaking about Richard Zednik and Jay Bouwmeester. Bouwmeester continues to be rumored to be headed on his way out of Florida. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed defenseman Janne Niskala on waivers.

Martin Gelinas has signed a two-week try-out contract with Swiss hockey club SC Bern. He will be given a chance to participate in the European Champions Hockey League and may earn a full contract. Brochu's take: The mainstream media has unfortunately forgot to mention that this is a two-week tryout. Bern will decide on November 24 if they will sign Gelinas long term. Source

The news of New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur possibly missing up to 4 months with elbow surgery has sparked rumors that they could be interested in Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin or Edmonton Oilers goalie Dwayne Roloson. Brochu's take: While Roloson is the cheaper option, Khabibulin could be a better fit. With Brodeur out for almost the entire regular season, Khabibulin's contract won't be that much of a burden.

Zherdev to NY, Hossa, Malkin, Avery signed

The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche to the New York Rangers for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman. Brochu's take: Zherdev and Fritsche had been on the block for some time, and rumors of a Columbus/NY trade have been percolating for a year now.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed Marian Hossa to a one-year, $7.45 million contract. Brochu's take: The NHLPA is not going to like this one, but Hossa wants to win the cup. So get ready for the Hossa sweepstakes in 2009.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially signed Evgeni Malkin to a five-year deal worth $8.7 million a year.

The Pens have also signed defenseman Brooks Orpik to a six-year, $22.5 million contract extension.

The Dallas Stars have signed forward Sean Avery to a four-year, $15.5 million contract, with a limited no-movement clause.

The Stars also signed restricted free agent forward B.J. Crombeen to a one-year deal.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed restricted free agent defenceman Joni Pitkanen to a three-year contract worth $12 million.

The 'Canes have also signed defenceman Josef Melichar to a one-year contract worth $1 million.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed defenceman Janne Niskala to a one-year deal.

The Bolts have also re-signed forward Ryan Craig to a two-year contract worth $1.575-million.

Flyers/Flames trade, more rumors

Brochu is Hockey will be live blogging during the first few hours of free agency, so keep refreshing for the latest news!

According to TBO.com, Tampa Bay Lightning owner Oren Koules hinted that a "big deal" could be coming soon, possibly Tuesday. Brochu's take: After the Bolts "shockingly aggressive" moves this week, anything is possible. Rumors that defenseman Dan Boyle is on the block have been floating around, could he be gone come July 1st?

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded defenseman Janne Niskala to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a sixth-round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry draft. Brochu's take: Niskala was just acquired from the Nashville Predators a week ago. Perhaps it has something to do with his "contract" with KHL team Atlant Mytischy??

The Philadelphia Flyers also acquired defenceman Tim Ramholt from the Calgary Flames in exchange for left wing Kyle Greentree.

The Flyers also put defenseman Denis Gauthier on waivers for the purposes of a buyout.

The Florida Panthers have re-signed forward Rostislav Olesz to a six-year, $18.75 million contract extension.

The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed forward Paul Gaustad to a four-year, $9.2 million contract.

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forward Jody Shelley to a two-year contract extension.

Both Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Alexei Zhitnik and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Duvie Westcott have cleared waivers and have been bought out by their respective teams, making them unrestricted free agents.

NHL and hockey rumors for June 25, 2008

The Colorado Avalanche have traded defenseman Johnny Boychuk to the Boston Bruins for forward Matt Hendricks. Source

The Philadelphia Flyers have acquired defenseman Janne Niskala from the Nashville Predators in exchange for forward Triston Grant and their seventh round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: Niskala had been rumored to be headed to Russia, but he could have a chance to crack Philly's lineup next season.

The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed forward Tuomo Ruutu to a one-year, $2.25 million contract extension. Brochu's take: This should quash those Ruutu rumors...at least until mid season, when you can expect them to pick up.

The Boston Bruins have re-signed defenseman Mark Stuart to a multi-year contract extension.

The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed forward Scott Parker to a one-year, contract extension.

Darcy Tucker has been bought out by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tucker has 3 years remaining on his contract and Toronto will have to pay for two-thirds, or 6 million dollars paid over a six year term. Tucker has a no-movement clause and thus did not have to clear waivers. Brochu's take: Tucker may not be the player he once was, but still is a gritty forward with veteran leadership. He will be picked up very soon.

The Leafs have also put forward Kyle Wellwood and goalie Andrew Raycroft on waivers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have put goalie Marc Denis on waivers for the purposes of a buyout. If he clears waivers, he will be immediately bought out. The Lightning also introduced Barry Melrose as their new head coach Tuesday.

European rumor update for June 8, 2008

Here's the big edition of Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Detroit Red Wings goalie Dominic Hasek has turned down a one-year, $3.5 million deal from Russian club Avangard Omsk. Hasek is not interested in the money, and is citing a lack of motivation at the moment. He will be deciding his future later in the summer. Source

Minnesota Wild forward Branko Radivojevic has signed a two-year deal with Spartak Moskva (Moscow) of the KHL. Source

Nashville Predators defenseman Janne Niskala has signed with Atlant (K. Mytischy) for the 2008-2009 season. Source

There are rumors that Erik Westrum may be returning to the NHL. Swiss sources are reporting that several teams have offered him two-way deals, while the Calgary Flames are believed to have offered a one-way deal. Source

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Oskar Osala to a three-year, entry level contract.

Rumors from Russia indicate that two KHL teams have made offers to Buffalo Sabres defenseman Dmitri Kalinin. It's believed Ak Bars Kazan and Salavat Yulaev have approached Kalinin's agent about playing in Russia for the 2008-2009 season. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for June 6, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks and forward Corey Perry have agreed to wait until July 1 to continue contract negotiations. Perry, a restricted free agent, will most certainly get an offer sheet this summer. Rumors have been flying that the Calgary Flames and Atlanta Thrashers may consider sending an offer sheet.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Derek Peltier to an entry-level contract.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Glen Wesley has retired after 20 NHL seasons. The 'Canes will retire his no. 2 jersey and has named him director of defenseman development. Source

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios wants to return next season, if the team wants him back. However, Dominic Hasek will only come back if he's motivated enough to play. Source

Billionaire Jim Balsillie has once again been rejected by the Nashville Predators ownership group. Two weeks ago, he was rebuffed by the local ownership about taking over the 27% ownership that troubled financier William "Boots" Del Biaggio owns. It's alleged that the NHL disapproved of the deal. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Nashville Predators defenseman Janne Niskala may be joining Biel/Bienne of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for May 26, 2008

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that the New York Rangers could be interested in restricted free agent Joni Pitkanen. Jim Matheson also suggests that the Carolina Hurricanes could be a better trade partner if they package Erik Cole and a draft pick. Brochu's take: The Oilers are going to think hard about trading Pitkanen this summer. As for the Cole thing, any writer can speculate about that. Source

Matheson also reports that the Nashville Predators will try to trade goalie Chris Mason once Dan Ellis has been re-signed.

The Palm Beach Post is reporting that Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach Andre Savard will be the new head coach of the Florida Panthers. The same article is also reporting that Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster will move to a lesser role at the club, while coach John Tortorella will be fired and Barry Melrose will take over. Source

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Toronto Maple Leafs were denied permission to speak to Joe Nieuwendyk about a position with the Leafs. Nieuwendyk resigned in April, leaving his position with the Panthers as a special assistant to the general manager. Source

The Dallas Stars have agreed to sign coach Dave Tippett to a three-year contract extension.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Dick Axelsson and defenseman Logan Pyett to three-year, entry-level contracts.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Evgeny Artyukhin to a two-year deal. He will officially sign on July 1, as he is still considered a restricted free agent.

There's a rumor that Nashville Predators defenseman Janne Niskala could be playing for Russian team Atlant (K. Mytischy) for the 2008-2009 season. Source

Europe update, Kubina to San Jose?

Globe and Mail writer David Shoalts is reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks had an agreement to trade Pavel Kubina, but the deal fell through. Interim GM Cliff Fletcher had allowed GM Doug Wilson to speak to Kubina's agent about waiving his no trade clause, but Kubina refused. However, it's possible that he can still be traded in the summer. According to his contract, if the Leafs do not make the playoffs, Kubina's no-trade clause is suspended from the day of the entry draft in June to Aug. 15. Source

Brochu's European roundup:

Riku Hahl may be returning to the NHL next season. Swedish website Dagbladet.se is reporting that Hahl would be open to returning. "Three or four NHL teams are interested in his services." said Hahl's agent Krister Kaukinen. Hahl is currently playing for Timrå in the SEL. Source

Rumors are swirling that Swedish Elite League team Leksands IF may try to persuade goalie Ed Belfour to stay another year by bringing his son Dayn Belfour to Sweden. Leksand have sent scouts to watch the youngster, who plays for the Winkler Flyers in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. Source

Swiss newspaper Blick is reporting that forward John Pohl will leave the Toronto Maple Leafs at the end of the season and join Nationalliga A club Ambri Piotta in Switzerland. Source

Defenseman Janne Niskala is rumored to be leaving the Nashville Predators and returning to his Swedish Elite League club Färjestad. Source

Defenseman Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre will be leaving the New Jersey Devils at the end of the season and will play with Duisberg in the DEL for 2008-2009. Source