European rumors update April 28, 2008

As promised, this is another edition of Brochu's European rumour roundup:

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that Russian team Ak Bars Kazan is rumored to be preparing to make a $4 million salary contract offer to Montreal Canadiens forward Andrei Kostitsyn, a restricted free agent this summer. Brochu's take: It's unlikely that Kostitsyn will sign in Russia. He loves Montreal and his brother is playing there. Kostitsyn will certainly take a deal similiar in salary to stay with the Habs. Source

Columbus Blue Jackets forward David Vyborny has left the NHL and signed a three-year contract with HC Sparta Praha of the Czech Extraliga. He will also function as the club's sports manager, the Czech news agency CTK reported. Vyborny's father is also the head coach of Sparta. Brochu's take: Rumors of him leaving the NHL have been reported all season. He does have an out-clause, but it's unlikely he will returning to North America anytime soon. Source

New Jersey Devils defenseman Karel Rachunek has left the NHL and signed a two-year deal with Dynamo Moskva (Moscow) of the Russian Super League. Brochu's take: I don't think Rachunek will be returning to the NHL for a third time. He's good as gone. Source

Devils forward Noah Clarke has left the organization and signed with Ambri Piotta of the Swiss Nationalliga A.

There are rumors that New York Rangers forward Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau will leave the organization and play in Europe for 2008-2009. Both Malmo of the SEL and Hamburg Freezers of the DEL have expressed an interest. Source

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Andreas Karlsson is rumored to be signing for Frolunda of the SEL. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed goalie Joel Gistedt to an entry-level contract. The Coyotes are also close to signing defenseman Jonas Ahnelov to a contract.

NHL rumors for April 10, 2008

Sergei Samsonov is happy with the Carolina Hurricanes, and would like to re-sign with the club. He could potentially earn a better contract in the summer, but given his luck with other teams, Samsonov may consider otherwise. Brochu's take: The Hurricanes were only picking up half of Samsonov's $3.5 million salary, and it's likely he'll ask for something in the $2-2.5 million range, as he almost maintained a point-a-game average with the 'Canes. Source

The New York Islanders have signed forward Rob Hennigar to a two-year, entry-level contract. Hennigar was a CIS All Canadian with the UNB Varsity Reds. Brochu's take: I expect that many NHL teams will start to look at players coming from Canadian universities more closely. Source

The New Jersey Devils have signed goaltender Jeff Frazee to a two-way contract. Frazee was the second round choice of the Devils in the 2005 NHL entry draft.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

CSKA Moscow is rumored to have offered New York Islanders backup goaltender Wade Dubielewicz a one-year, $1.8 million contract.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Karel Rachunek is rumoured to have signed a contract with Dynamo Moscow for 2008-2009. Source

Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Joakim Lindstrom is rumoured to be returning to Sweden to play with Skelleftea in the SEL. Source

Dallas Stars forward Marius Holtet has signed with Farjestad of the SEL. Source