NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 14, 2009

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed free agent forward Justin Bernhardt to an entry-level contract. The 21-year old has spent the past five seasons with the Regina Pats, Kelowna Rockets and the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed free agent forward Robert Slaney to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 20-year old Slaney has spent the four seasons with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL. Source

The Colorado Avalanche have fired GM Francois Giguere and team president Pierre Lacroix will take over until a replacement is found. Brochu's take: It looks like Giguere was the fall guy, as the Avs finished a dissappointing 28th in the NHL. Injuries really decimated the Avs this year, so it wasn't all Giguere's fault. Source

The Calgary Flames have placed defenseman Anders Eriksson on re-entry waivers. Brochu's take: I wonder if the Blackhawks would pick him up to spite Calgary?

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Tennessean is reporting that Alexander Radulov might consider a return to the Nashville Predators. Radulov is signed in Russia for next year, but also still has one year left on his contract with the Preds. Brochu's take: Like the article states, the dressing room might have problems accepting him back. I'm sure management doesn't mind at all. Source

Poll Results: (It's been awhile, so here's several)

Who was the "winner" of the NHL Trade Deadline?

Flames	64 (48%)
Coyotes	10 (7%)
Sharks	1 (0%)
Bruins	1 (0%)
Oilers	24 (18%)
Ducks	0 (0%)
Maple Leafs	4 (3%)
Rangers	11 (8%)
Other	18 (13%)

Total Votes: 133

What do you think of Alex Ovechkin's 50th goal celebration?

I like it!	16 (30%)
It's stupid!	16 (30%)
Don't care	20 (38%)

Total Votes: 52

Who will win the Hart Trophy?

Evgeni Malkin	18 (30%)
Alex Ovechkin	30 (50%)
Sidney Crosby	1 (1%)
Zach Parise	9 (15%)
Other	1 (1%)

Total Votes: 59

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 12, 2009

According to the New York Post, NHL general managers have given their approval to the Rangers' request for a compensatory pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in the wake of the death of 2007 first-round selection Alexei Cherepanov. Brochu's take: While technically in the CBA, (teams unable to sign their first round picks get a pick anyways) the way that this whole thing went down seemed a bit sketchy. Source

TSN's Ice Chips is reporting that Nashville Predators general manager David Poile left the door open for a possible return to the team by Alexander Radulov. Radulov's team in the KHL was eliminated from the playoffs earlier this week. Radulov has one year remaining on his contract with Nashville and would not need to clear waivers to rejoin the team. Brochu's take: I doubt it. Both sides haven't talked to each other in months, and by all accounts, Radulov is happy in Russia. Source

Miroslav Satan's future is still unclear. He's been demoted by the Pittsburgh Penguins to their AHL affiliate, but has not asked him to report. There's a possibility that the Pens could call Satan up on re-entry waivers, but the team can't fit him under their salary cap. An annoucement is expected tomorrow. Brochu's take: A suspension is possible if he doesn't report, in which case the Penguins don't have to pay his salary. Source

The Vancouver Sun is reporting that contract talks between GM Mike Gillis and the Sedin twins are at a standstill, and talks may be shut down until the end of the playoffs. Brochu's take: I think they will re-sign at slightly under market value. Despite some stupid GMs out there, it's hard to see if anyone is willing to shell out > $11 million for these two. Source

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Gary Roberts has officially retired from the NHL.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 16, 2008

According to Al Strachan of The Score, the Montreal Canadiens will shop goaltender Jaroslav Halak at the trade deadline. Brochu's take: If the Habs are in the playoff race by then, Halak could be an asset at the deadline.

The Toronto Sun is reporting that Mats Sundin's agent believes the Swedish forward will play in the NHL this season. Source Brochu's take: *Yawn*

Alexander Radulov left the door open for a possible return to the NHL and the Nashville Predators. Radulov also said recent comments attributed to him in a letter to KHL president Alexander Medvedev, which Radulov said he was not interested in arbitration and wanted to promote hockey in Russia, were incorrect. Brochu's take: Maybe Radulov should go on 20/20 and tell Barbara Walters the"real" story... Source

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher has denied a report that he is shopping defenseman Ian White to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for their first round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. However, there are still rumors that he is looking to unload forward Matt Stajan. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 12, 2008

The Carolina Hurricanes and forward Eric Staal have agreed to a seven-year, $57.75 million contract extension. The deal works out to a $8.25 million cap hit per year.

The Detroit Red Wings and forward Henrik Zetterberg have started negotiations on a long-term contract extension. The forward could easily a $9 million a year salary if he reaches the open market. Source

There are rumors that the Vancouver Canucks could be shopping defenseman Lukas Krajicek.

Defenseman Luke Richardson has been invited to the Ottawa Senators training camp on a try-out contract. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Calgary Flames forward Marcus Nilson has joined CSKA Moskva (Moscow) of the KHL. Details still have to be ironed out, but Nilson has already practised with the team and both sides are negotiating his release from Calgary's contract. Source

According to NHLPA director Paul Kelly on the 640 AM radio in Toronto, Alexander Radulov wants to leave the KHL, despite only a few games in. Kelly "has extremely good authority" that Radulov wants to return to the NHL and the Nashville Predators. Brochu's take: Another interesting twist to the Radulov saga. Radulov had burned his bridges when he was officially suspended by the Preds, but would the team have him back?

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 3, 2008

The Vancouver Canucks have traded forward Ryan Shannon to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Lawrence Nycholat. Brochu's take: A depth move, the Canucks have more than enough bottom-6 forwards. As for Nycholat, the veteran AHLer should provide some insurance for the Nucks defense.

In an interview with Team 1040 radio in Vancouver, defenseman Kevin Bieksa acknowledged that there are rumors of him being traded, but he ignores them. He first heard about the rumours during the NHL entry draft. Brochu's take: There's been a lot of speculation in the Vancouver media about a possible trade with the Anaheim Ducks and Mathieu Schneider, who looks likely to be moved. The recent acquistion of Nycholat could mean the Canucks may be up to something.

In an interview with AM640 in Toronto, Mats Sundin has still not decided if he wants to continue playing hockey. Sundin admitted he hasn't even skated yet, and has only worked out a few times. Sportsnet is also reporting that Sundin will meet with Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher on Friday. Brochu's take: And another episode of "The Bald and the Beautiful" concludes without any real conclusion...

The Nashville Predators have suspended forward Alexander Radulov indefinitely without pay for the 2008-09 season. Radulov signed a contract with UFA of the KHL despite having one year remaining on his existing contract with Nashville.

The Detroit Red Wings are close to a one-year, ~$850,000 deal with defenseman Chris Chelios.

Radulov signs with Salavat Yulaev Ufa!

Nashville Predators forward Alexander Radulov has signed a three-year contract with KHL team Salavat Yulaev Ufa. In an interview with Russian paper Sport-Express, Radulov stated that he was approached by the Russian team with a great offer, an offer that Nashville could not match. Brochu's take: This isn't a rumor folks, this has happened. Radulov is due to be a RFA next year, so his contract will be suspended. If he ever returns to the NHL, he will have one year remaining on his entry-level deal. Source

There are rumors that Philadelphia Flyers forward Patrick Thoresen could be headed to Switzerland or Sweden, with SEL clubs Skellefteå, Timrå, and Brynäs the most interested in the Norwegian forward. Source

Swedish sources are saying that defenseman Jaroslav Modry could be signing with Malmo of the Elitserien for 2008-2009. Source

Florida Panthers defenseman Magnus Johansson is rumored to be headed to Atlant Mytischi of the KHL.

The San Jose Sharks have signed defenseman Brendan Buckley to a contract. Buckley spent last season playing for German club Iserlohner Roosters. Source

Goalie Mike Morrison has left the New York Islanders organization and signed with Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia. Source

Defenseman Bryce Lampman has left the Dallas Stars organization and signed with Amur Tigers Khabarovsk in Russia.

Edmonton Oilers forward Jonas Almtorp has been given a try-out for Lulea.