NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 2, 2009

The Montreal Canadiens have hired Jacques Martin as the new head coach of the team. The move reunites Martin with assistant general manager Pierre Gauthier and head of amateur scouting Trevor Timmins from their time together with the Ottawa Senators. Brochu's take: It's believed that negotiations have been going on for some time to release Martin from his GM job with the Florida Panthers, which was extended last year to 2011-2012. Rumors are swirling that the Panthers are up for sale and are trying to shed payroll in anyway, so it could be an interesting situation this summer.

According to CKNW radio in Vancouver, there's a rumor that the Vancouver Canucks would send defenseman Sami Salo and forward prospect Jannik Hansen to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson. Brochu's take: Johnson wants out of LA, but I think the fans in Vancouver remember Johnson from the World Juniors.

The Ottawa Senators have signed free agent forward Ryan Keller to a one-year, two-way contract. The 25-year old has spent the past two seasons with the Espoo Blues of the Finnish SM-Liiga.

The New Jersey Devils have re-signed forward Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond. No contract details were announced.

Senators updates

Mike Fisher has signed a 5 year, $21 million extension. Fisher, 27, scored 22 goals and 26 assists in 68 games with the Senators last year. Source

According to the Toronto Sun, Curtis Joseph could be signed as the backup to Ray Emery in Ottawa. This would only happen if they can find a buyer for Martin Gerber's hefty contract.

The Ottawa Sun speculates that Jeff O'Neill has had talks with the Senators, and are discussing a contract.

Dany Heatley may wait until the end of the season to negotiate a new contract, or test his worth on the free agent market. Heatley, who has scored 50 goals in each of the last two years, may command a max contract of $9-10 million, depending on the cap.

Sami Salo will be out "week-to-week" with a hairline fracture to his wrist, according to the Team 1040 in Vancouver.

Jamie Langenbrunner may miss a large part of the season due to his groin injury. There is speculation that he could miss several months of action.

Ozolinsh invited to Sharks camp

Sandis Ozolinsh has been invited to the San Jose Sharks training camp on a try-out basis. Ozolinsh played for the New York Rangers last season, but only had 3 assists in 21 games. Ozolinsh has been dealing with substance abuse problems, but feels healthy. “I have a lot of good memories here and I’m excited to be here,” said Ozolinsh. "I really hope to make this team." Source

According to TSN, Anson Carter has been invited to the Oilers training camp.

Vancouver Canucks fans got a few injury shocks today. Roberto Luongo got a high slapshot to the collarbone/throat, Sami Salo could have a possible broken wrist and Trevor Linden has a pulled groin.