European rumor update May 31, 2008

TSN is citing a report in the Toronto Star stating that ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose is set to return behind the bench as the new coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. According to the Star, incoming team owner Oren Koules has pushed for the hiring of Melrose in an effort to further sell the team and the sport in Florida. His group is awaiting approval from the NHL's Board Of Governors to take over the team, with the vote set to take place on June 18. Brochu's take: This would mean the end of John Tortorella's reign in Tampa, which will free him up nicely to take over the Ottawa Senators vacant coaching job. Source

According to reports from Denmark, prospect Peter Regin has signed a contract with the Ottawa Senators. Source

The Senators have also re-signed forward Jesse Winchester to a two-year contract extension. Source

The Calgary Flames have signed forward Hugo Carpentier to a three-year, entry-level contract. Source

The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Josef Hrabal to a two-year, entry-level contract. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Philadelphia Flyers forward Denis Tolpeko has signed with Dynamo Moskva (Moscow) of the KHL in Russia for the 2008-2009 season. Source

There are rumors that Boston Bruins forward Glen Metropolit has received offers from several Continental Hockey League (KHL) teams. Source

Several German teams have made offers to Anaheim Ducks forward Jason King. Source

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Kyle Wanvig could be joining Amur Tigers Khabarovsk in Russia. Source

NHL rumor update Mar 3

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune is reporting that the Minnesota Wild were willing to deal forward Benoit Pouliot at the trade deadline. This could be because the 21-year-old forward has not had a very good season, scoring only 9 goals and 21 points in 42 AHL games. Apparently, teams were asking for the availability of James Sheppard, Mikko Koivu and Colton Gillies. Source

The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Ben Maxwell to an entry level, 3-year contract. Terms were not disclosed. Source

The Ottawa Senators are reportedly close to signing forward Jesse Winchester to a free agent contract. The 6'1, 205 pound forward plays for the Colgate University Raiders. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Ottawa Senators are rumoured to be close to signing prospect Peter Regin to a contract. The Danish forward is having a good season with Timrå of the Swedish Elite League. Source

There is a rumor that an NHL team is interested in Regin's teammate, Mika Pyörälä. "There is an NHL team that has spoken with me about Mika," Pyorala's agent Juuso Pullianen said. Pullianen also said that several other teams have shown interest in the free agent. Could he be the next over-hyped European free agent to come over to North America? Source

Oleg "Freakin" Saprykin is reportedly interested in returning to the NHL. He led his team CSKA Moscow in scoring with 26 goals and 46 points, according to Sovietsky Sport. (Translation via the New York Times Slap Shot blog) Source