Hockey and NHL Rumors for Sept 30, 2010

The Washington Capitals have loaned forward Michael Nylander to the Rochester Americans, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers.  Washington will still pay the $3 million salary, while the Panthers will pay a nominal feel.  Nylander cleared waivers earlier last week and is still property of the Caps and is subject to any future re-call waivers.  Brochu's take:  I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often.  Source

According to the Edmonton Journal, the Minnesota Wild may be interested in Edmonton Oilers goalie Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers.  Source

Hockey and NHL rumors for Dec 11, 2009

According to La Presse, the St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings are among the teams that may be interested in acquiring Montreal Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak's services. Brochu's take: I think the Hab's asking price is a little high for a goalie that hasn't really proven himself as a dependable backup. Rumor is that the Edmonton Oilers are also interested. Source

Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander has cleared waivers. Brochu's take: It's only a matter of time before he ends up on a KHL team. No chance would the Caps bring him up on re-entry waivers.

Capitals waive Nylander

The Washington Capitals have placed forward Michael Nylander on waivers.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 22, 2009

The Minnesota Wild will officially name Chuck Fletcher as the next GM of the team. Fletcher will replace Doug Risebrough, whose contract as president and general manager of the team was not renewed after the regular season ended. Fletcher is currently the assistant GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the team has said they will not stand in the way. Brochu's take: It is kind of weird to see a team still in the playoffs lose their assistant GM. I wonder who broke this story on TSN...could it be Pierre "El Kabong" McGuire, who was a finalist for the job? Source

The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Dwight King to a three-year, entry-level contract. King was the Kings' fourth round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Phoenix Coyotes minority partner John Breslow has formed a group interested in submitting a bid for the team, his lawyer Scott Cohen said Wednesday. Breslow currently owns 2% of the Coyotes. It's believed he's filed paperwork with the NHL to table a formal offer. Brochu's take: I find it odd that we hear news about all these "potential" offers from other parties, and yet Jim Balsillie's offer is still the only official and signifcant offer. Redfield Baum, the bankruptcy judge, has repeatedly stated that his only obligation is to the creditors, which would make you believe that Balsillie has an edge.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Washington Capitals forward Donald Brashear is rumored to be signing with a KHL team, possibly Vityaz Podolsk/Chekhov. Brashear's agent is currently in Russia in contract talks. Source

Russian reports are indicating that KHL team Avangard Omsk have targeted Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Frantisek Kaberle and Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander for the 2009-2010 season. Brochu's take: Kaberle's a UFA this summer, so it's possible. Nylander still has a couple seasons left in his contract so I don't see him doing a Radulov. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 3, 2009

According to CBC, the NHL is tentatively set to kick off the 2009-10 regular season in Europe, with six teams playing in 3 cities. The Calgary Flames would play the San Jose Sharks in Helsinki, Finland, the Detroit Red Wings would take on the St. Louis Blues in Stockholm, Sweden and the Chicago Blackhawks would face the Florida Panthers in Prague, Czech Republic. Source

RDS is reporting that the Montreal Canadiens could be looking for an experienced, offensive centre with Robert Lang out with an injured Achilles tendon. Possibilites could include St. Louis Blues forward Keith Tkachuk, Washington Capitals centre Michael Nylander and New York Islanders centre Doug Weight. Brochu's take: If there's one thing about GM Bob Gainey, he's quite decisive about personnel decisions. If he feels there's a need for an experienced centreman, he will go and get him. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed goaltender Mike McKenna to an NHL contract. McKenna was playing for Tampa's AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals.

According to Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province, Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault has the next two games to pull the team out of its losing streak, or he will be fired. Brochu's take: Speculation continues to mount over Vigneault's future. Could he go the way of Hartsburg?

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Shane O'Brien fired back at his coach and GM Monday, claiming that he was asked to fight more. O'Brien was a healthy scratch on Saturday and will likely be scratched on Tuesday as well. GM Mike Gillis has denied that he told the player to fight, only that he played "harder." Source

Weekend NHL and Hockey Rumor Roundup for Dec 27-28, 2008

This is the latest NHL and hockey rumors for the weekend of December 27-28, 2008.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Philadelphia Flyers will shop defenseman Randy Jones once Danny Briere comes back off the injury list.

Brendan Shanahan continues to skate and practise alone, while waiting for a team to call him. Shanahan has been looking for a deal with an Eastern Conference team, but sources are saying that it won't be long until he starts talking to Western Conference teams. Brochu's take: Shanahan's time is running out, but there's talk that several teams are desperately trying to make salary cap space for him. Word is that the Rangers could be back in the running.

Garrioch claimes that league sources have confirmed that Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey have talked to the Chicago Blackhawks about forward Martin Havlat. Brochu's take: Once Garrioch latches on a rumor, he doesn't let go. Remember the Ohlund to Senators rumours he had every week? Source

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN is reporting that the Washington Capitals aren't actively trying to trade forward Michael Nylander, but will listen to the right offer if someone calls. Brochu's take: The Columbus Blue Jackets are looking for a no.1 centre...could they be interested?

Lebrun also reports there is a lot of "chatter" around the league that the Toronto Maple Leafs are kicking tires on backup goalies. Source

According to Newsday, the Columbus Blue Jackets are believed to be interested in New York Islanders forward Doug Weight. Source

The Columbus Dispatch blog "Puck-rakers" reported that a Blue Jackets scout was at Saturday's game between the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres. Brochu's take: The chatter around the league is that the BJ's could be close to a trade.

The Calgary Flames has suspended forward Dan Ryder for violation of team rules and conduct detrimental to the best interests of the team. Brochu's take: Let's hope this kid can sort out his problems.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 22, 2008

The Colorado Avalanche have reclaimed forward Jesse Boulerice off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers.

The New York Rangers have placed forward Patrick Rissmiller on waivers.

The Florida Panthers have placed Wade Belak on waivers.

The St. Louis Blues are desperate for some offensive help, and are rumored to be interested in acquiring Philadelphia Flyers forward Joffrey Lupul. There's also some interest in Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander, who has been linked to the Chicago Blackhawks for some time.

Brochu's European and Asian rumor roundup:

Forward Claude Lemieux, who was trying to make a comeback to the NHL, is now rumored to be signing a contract within the next two weeks with the Worcester Sharks, the San Jose Sharks AHL affiliate. Lemieux played a few games with the China Sharks of the Asia League, but has now left the team. The China Sharks are also affiliated with San Jose. Brochu's take: If this rumor is true, than he's one step closer to his goal.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Prestin Ryan has left the organization and has signed with Adler Mannheim in Germany.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 21, 2008

There's a rumor floating around tonight that the Chicago Blackhawks have traded defensemen Brent Sopel and Dustin Byfuglien to the Washington Capitals for forward Michael Nylander. Byfuglien was a late scratch from tonight's Chicago Blackhawks-Dallas Stars game. Brochu's take: Bob McKenzie of TSN reported that this deal was very close to happening, and it might have happened tonight. Stay tuned.

The Edmonton Oilers have placed forward Jesse Boulerice on waivers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have claimed forward David Koci off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Daniel Tjarnqvist is rumoured to be signing with Swedish club Rogle. Tjarnavist has been a healthy scratch for the Avs inevery single game this season. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 19, 2008

Sorry about the late update today, I will make another one tonight.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that GM Bryan Murray could be stepping up his pursuit of Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund, noting "Canucks GM Mike Gillis and assistant Lawrence Gilman were on the list of scouts for last night's Ottawa Senators-New York Rangers game". Brochu's take: Gillis did admit to looking at both the Sens and Rangers closely, noting their "makeup". Source

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough was scheduled to attend the recent Ottawa Senators-New York Rangers game but could not make it. "Ottawa and the Rangers are two teams that could make sense for a potential Marian Gaborik trade. Bryan Murray, Ottawa’s GM, loves making blockbusters, and Rangers GM Glen Sather is buddy buddy with Risebrough," writer Michael Russo wrote. Brochu's take: Nothing will be done until Gaborik comes back from injury, but this is something definitely to chew on. Source

Bob McKenzie of TSN reported on his blog that there are rumors that the Minnesota Wild are very close to trading forward Marian Gaborik.

McKenzie is also reporting that "the Chicago Blackhawks, according to multiple NHL sources, have a standing deal ready to go at a moment's notice to acquire veteran center Michael Nylander from the Washington Capitals." The rumble is that the Hawks will ship out goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, but there appears to be a shortage of suitors. Source

The St. Louis Blues have claimed forward BJ Crombeen off waivers from the Dallas Stars.

The Minnesota Wild have placed defenseman Tomas Mojzis on waivers. He has cleared.

The Detroit Red Wings have placed forward Darren McCarty on waivers. He has cleared.

The Blues have also placed forward David Koci on waivers.

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 Oct 1, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenseman Sean O'Donnell to the Los Angeles Kings for a conditional pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: GM Brian Burke may not be done, as the Ducks are now under the salary cap but only by a few hundred thousand dollars.

The Edmonton Oilers have claimed defenceman Steve MacIntyre off waivers from the Florida Panthers.

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has cleared waivers. Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail suggests the Kings as a likely destination, with forward Michal Handzus going to the Hawks. Duhatschek also reports of Chicago's interest in Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander.

The Carolina Hurricanes have released forward Jeff O'Neill from training camp.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed forward Michel Ouellet on waivers.

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 24, 2008

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the Anaheim Ducks continue to shop defenseman Mathieu Schneider, but there are still no takers. McKenzie mentions that teams have called about forward Bobby Ryan, and he could be part of a package deal to entice other teams to take on Schneider's hefty salary. Brochu's take: The Ducks are running out of time, and a deal could be done this week. Throwing in the 2nd pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft may get the job done. Source

Rumours continue to swirl that Schneider is headed to the Atlanta Thrashers, Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues. The loss of Erik Johnson for the entire season has the Blues as the frontrunner to land the Duck defenseman.

McKenzie also mentions that Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander is available, and the Chicago Blackhawks, along with several other teams, may be working out a deal to get him. Brochu's take: Chicago just dumped Robert Lang's contract to get under the cap, why would they add an even bigger salary to their roster?

The Ducks have also signed center Maxime Macenauer and defenseman Eric Regan to three-year, entry-level contracts.

The San Jose Sharks have told defenseman Kyle McLaren to not participate in training camp scrimmages, raising speculation that the blueliner will be traded soon. Source

Retired forward Claude Lemieux is rumored to be trying to make a comeback to the NHL. The 43 year old has been practising with the Phoenix Coyotes but no one has called. Brochu's take: And no one is going to call. There are cheaper, younger, better players than Lemieux in today's NHL. Source

NHL trade rumors from Marty York

The following rumours are from Marty York of Metro News:

The Colorado Avalanche have had it with the inconsistent goaltending of Jose Theodore and Peter Budaj and are in trade talks with several teams, including the Ottawa Senators. The Sens have lost confidence in Martin Gerber but Avalanche execs consider him an upgrade over Theodore and Budaj, making a Colorado-Ottawa trade a possibility.

The Edmonton Oilers won't publicly say Dwayne Roloson has been demoted but they believe he's regressed and are relying more on their so-called backup, Mathieu Garon.

Several teams have turned down offers from the Tampa Bay Lightning concerning goalie Marc Denis. Denis has been shopped all season, but no one wants his contract. The Colorado Avalanche have already told the Lightning that they are not interested.

York is reporting that Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander may be hiding an injury and could miss a few games. He is also reporting that the bad ice in Washington could explain some of their failures.

The NHL will no longer subsidize an annual road trip in which the fathers of players joined their sons, a trip that many teams are doing this season. Joe Bowen, the Toronto Maple Leafs play-by-play announcer, said the NHL decided to count the fathers’ trips against the clubs’ salary caps, which ultimately meant they could not happen any more.

Mark Recchi has cleared waivers and assigned to the Pittsburgh Penguins AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre. It's expected that he will be recalled soon on re-entry waivers.

The Anaheim Ducks have already received offers for their players. According to The Globe and Mail, the Ducks need to free up only around $1 million in "tagging room" for players under contract for 2008-2009. "We have an offer," GM Brian Burke said. "I could hang up this phone and fix this right away. We're trying to make the best hockey deal we can make. We're not in a bind at all. Of the 29 teams — we don't talk to Edmonton - so of the 28 other teams, there's plenty of interest in making this predicament go away." Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have traded goaltender Alex Auld to the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Nate DiCasmirro and a fifth round draft choice in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.