Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 5, 2009

According to TSN, the Montreal Canadiens may facilitate a three-way traded involving the San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators, with Dany Heatley being the main player. According to a report in the Ottawa Sun, the Sharks have tabled a package that includes winger Jonathan Cheechoo, along with defenceman Christian Ehrhoff and a first-round selection. Brochu's take: Cheechoo is a shadow of his 56-goal season, so his value is quite low. GM Doug Murray is going to have to up the package if he's going to get Heatley, and not to mention he has to get rid of some salary.

The San Jose Sharks have announced that there will be a press conference on Thursday to confirm the retirement of Jeremy Roenick. Brochu's take: I'm going to miss him. His "wake up, NHL" quote is amongst the best rants in hockey history. That, and throwing the water bottle at the ref.

The Ottawa Senators have signed goalie Brian Elliot to a 2-year contract.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Patrick Eaves to a one-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Janne Pesonen has left the organization and signed with KHL team Ak Bars Kazan. Source

Minnesota Wild goalie Nolan Schaefer has left the organization and signed a deal with Russian team CSKA Moskva (Moscow). Source

Bouwmeester wants out?

According to New York source Newsday, a source close to defenseman Jay Bouwmeester has said that he wants out of Florida. Brochu's take: Expect the bidding to be high for him. Source

The Panthers have also put forward Jozef Stumpel on waivers.

The Vancouver Canucks have claimed Toronto Maple Leafs forward Kyle Wellwood off waivers.

The Ottawa Senators have traded tough guy Brian McGrattan to the the Phoenix Coyotes for a 5th round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry draft.

Sources are saying that the Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed Vincent Lecavalier to a 9 year, $77 million contract extension. As per CBA rules, the deal cannot be finalized until July 1.

The Anaheim Ducks official website is saying that it's very likely that defenseman Scott Niedermayer will return for the 2008-2009 season. Niedermayer has only one year left on his contract. Brochu's take: This could potentially cause cap problems for the Ducks this summer. Look for one of their defenseman to be shopped. Source

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forwards Joe Pavelski and Jeremy Roenick and backup goaltender Brian Boucher on Wednesday.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have bought out the final year of Marc Denis' contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. Denis cleared waivers Wednesday. Source

Vigneault to return?

According to TSN, the Vancouver Canucks have fired assistant coaches Barry Smith and Mike Kelly. Reports are indicating that head coach Alain Vigneault was the one that delivered the news. This has led to speculation that Vigneault will return as the head coach of the Canucks for the 2008-2009 season. Brochu's take: Unless he gets an extension, Vigneault remains a lame duck coach.

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forward Jeremy Roenick to a one-year contract. The deal is believed to be worth in the $1 million range.

The next outdoor game for the NHL is rumored to be set in Chicago between the Blackhawks and Boston Bruins. It appears problems with the New York proposal has opened the door for an outdoor game in Chicago.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Swedish team Rogle has targeted several NHL players for the 2008-2009 season. It's believed they are interested in Phoenix Coyotes forward Mathias Tjarnqvist and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Andreas Lilja. Source