NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 10, 2009

Forward Dany Heatley has asked the Ottawa Senators for a trade. Heatley, who still has 5 years at $7.5 million a year left on his contract extension, let the team know of his intentions last week. GM Bryan Murray is aware of the request, but expects Heatley to honour the contract. There's speculation that the 28 year old would like to play in the Western Conference. Brochu's take: I will have a full breakdown of Heatley and possible destinations tomorrow. Source

According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, the New York Rangers have made forward Scott Gomez available. The Los Angeles Kings could be in the running. Brochu's take: I'm thinking the Edmonton Oilers would be interested, especially with old coach Tom Renney behind the bench. And Edmonton is a lot closer to Alaska than New York. Source

LeBrun also states that the Kings are interested in Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan Smyth, who is also being shopped.

Brent Sutter has officially stepped down as coach of the New Jersey Devils, citing a homesickness for his family and WHL team, the Red Deer Rebels. Speculation continues to swirl that he will join his older brother Darryl in Calgary, but Sutter is non-committal to the idea. Brochu's take: Sutter will be signing a contract with the Flames in 3.....2.....1....

Judge Redfield T. Baum said during the bankruptcy court hearing Tuesday that he believes the NHL has a right to demand payment for its territorial rights in Hamilton. The relocation fee could possibly reach $100 million, but the exact amount could be decided in mediation. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Andrew Kozek to an entry-level contract. Kozek was the Thrashers' 2nd round choice in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

The Thrashers also re-signed defenseman Anssi Salmela to a multi-year contract extension.

The New York Rangers have signed forward Chris Doyle to a three-year, entry-level contract. Doyle was the Rangers's 5th round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

NJ/Atlanta trade, Avery on waivers, more players on waivers

The Atlanta Thrashers have traded defenceman Niclas Havelid and forward Myles Stoesz to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for blueliner Anssi Salmela.

The Dallas Stars have officially put Sean Avery on re-entry waivers. Brochu's take: We won't know until tomorrow if the New York Rangers picked him up, or some other NHL team.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Andrew Conboy to a three-year, entry-level contract. Conboy was suspended by Michigan State University this season for an attack on a Michigan player during a game.

The Los Angeles Kings have placed defenseman Tom Preissing on waivers.

The New York Islanders have placed defenseman Joe Callahan on waivers.

The Vancouver Canucks have placed defenseman Lawrence Nycholat on waivers.

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed forward Steve Goertzen on waivers.

The Pittsburg Penguins have placed forward Bill Thomas on waivers.

European rumor update

Here's the latest version of Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Andrei Zyuzin has signed with SKA St. Petersburg for the 2008-2009 season. Source

Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Ryno will play for AIK in Sweden for the 2008-2009 season. Source

The New Jersey Devils have agreed to a contract with Finnish free agent Anssi Salmela. Salmela played for Team Finland at the 2008 IIHF World Championship. Source

There are rumors that Washington Capitals goalie Frederic Cassivi could be signing a deal with Nurnberg/Sinupret Ice Tigers of the DEL in Germany.

Forward Marek Kvapil has left the Tampa Bay Lightning organization and will play for HC Vitkovice of the Czech Extraliga. Source

Defenseman Martin Lojek has left the Florida Panthers organization and will play for HC Trinec of the Czech Extraliga. Source

Poll Results:

Which team will get their new coach first?

Sharks	23 (26%)
Maple Leafs	7 (7%)
Avalanche	19 (21%)
Panthers	4 (4%)
Senators	23 (26%)
Thrashers	5 (5%)
Other	7 (7%)

Total Votes: 88

Thanks to everyone who voted!