Hockey and NHL Rumors for Oct 1, 2010

The Edmonton Oilers have placed defenseman Sheldon Souray and goalie Martin Gerber on waivers.  Brochu's take:  Souray being put on waivers was expected, but Gerber has been playing well in the pre-season.  The likelihood of Souray being picked up is low because of his high salary.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forward Slava Kozlov has left the NHL and signed a one-year deal with KHL team CSKA Moscow.

Free agent forward Miroslav Satan is still looking to sign with an NHL team.  Satan recently played two games for Slovakian club HC Slovan Bratislava.

Hockey and NHL rumors for Jan 3, 2010

The Boston Bruins have signed free agent forward Miroslav Satan to a contract for the rest of the season. The deal has a no movement clause. Brochu's take: My heart is broken that he didn't sign with the Devils. ;-)

The St. Louis Blues have fired head coach Andy Murray and replaced him with interim coach Davis Payne, who had the been the head coach of the Blues' AHL affiliate.

The future of Ilya Kovalchuk could very well be settled in the next couple of days. Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell is hoping to get something done by Monday, otherwise it's very likely he will be traded. The Hotstove panel suggested that the Chicago Blackhawks are very interested. Brcohu's take: The Hawks COULD trade some of their bigger contracts to get him, but Kovie's going to come at a very high price, probably higher than what the Thrashers got for Marian Hossa.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 18, 2009

The Toronto Maple Leafs can be safely ruled out of the Dany Heatley sweepstakes. In an interview with NHL Live! on the NHL Network, GM Brian Burke expressed his non-interest in the Ottawa Senators player and disdain for the way he has demanded his trade request. Brochu's take: People who live in glass houses shouldn't be throwing stones. Burke took advantage of a similiar situation when he landed Chris Pronger in Anaheim. Source

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed defenseman Alex Goligoski to a three-year contract extension.

The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Quintin Laing to a one-year contract extension.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

KHL team Atlant Mytischi has offered Phoenix Coyotes forward Enver Lisin a two-year contract. Brochu's take: Given the Coyotes financial situation, the likelihood of Lisin leaving for Russia is pretty high. Source

There's a rumor that KHL team Barys Astana has offered a two-year, $6 million contract to Pittsburgh Penguins forward Miroslav Satan. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 10, 2009

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-called forward Miroslav Satan from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League on Friday. Brochu's take: Hmmm, there's no word on that he cleared re-entry waivers, which I assumed he cleared if he got recalled. I'm surprised no other team picked him up to prevent the Penguins from using him in the playoffs. Source

The Calgary Flames have re-signed forward David Moss to a three-year, $3.9 million contract extension. Brochu's take: A good deal. Moss is an emerging 20-goal scorer and should improve his stats year by year.

The New York Islanders have signed forward Justin DiBenedetto to a three-year, entry-level contract. DiBenedetto was the Isles' sixth round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Source

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed free agent defenseman David Sloane to an amateur tryout under emergency conditions, according to club GM Paul Holmgren. Sloane has spent the past four seasons with Colgate University. Brochu's take: He's an injury replacement for Ryan Parent, but I guess the Flyers were really desperate to get a guy in the lineup. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed free agent defenseman Geoff Kinrade to an amateur tryout. Kinrade has spent the past four seasons at Michigan Tech of the NCAA and will report to Tampa. Brochu's take: I usually don't report on ATOs, but these guys are actually signed by the NHL club and will play in NHL games. Source

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.

Waiver Wackiness!

It seems half of the NHL was put on waivers today! But here's a wrap-up. I've left some off for a subsequent post.

The New York Rangers have claimed Sean Avery off re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars.

The Calgary Flames have claimed defenseman Lawrence Nycholat off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks.

The New York Rangers have also placed forwards Aaron Voros and defenseman Erik Reitz on waivers.

The Anaheim Ducks have placed forward Brendan Morrison on waivers.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have placed forward Miroslav Satan on waivers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed forward Gary Roberts on waivers.

The Atlanta Thrashers have placed forward Eric Perrin on waivers.

The Chicago Blackhawks have placed forward Craig Adams on waivers.

The New York Islanders have placed forward Jon Sim on waivers.

Naslund, Satan sign, Habs/Leafs trade?

The Montreal Canadiens have traded forward Mikhail Grabovski to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for the rights to Greg Pateryn and a second-round draft pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: How many times have you seen a Leafs-Habs trade?

The Habs also signed tough guy Georges Laraque to a three-year, $4.5 million contract. They also signed goalie Marc Denis to a one-year, two-way contract.

The New York Rangers have signed forward Markus Naslund to a two-year, $8 million contract. Brochu's take: There were rumors that the Canucks didn't even speak to Naslund during free agency.

The Rangers also signed defenseman Dmitri Kalinin to a one-year deal.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed goalie Marc-Andre Fleury to a seven-year, $35 million contract extension, with a no move and limited no trade clause.

The Pens also signed forward Miroslav Satan to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. They also signed Ruslan Fedotenko to a $2.5 million contract.

The San Jose Sharks have signed defenseman Rob Blake to a one-year, $5 million contract.

The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick to a two-year deal. The club also agreed to terms on two-year contracts with goaltender Chris Beckford-Tseu and forward Steve MacIntyre. They also signed defenseman James DeLory to a three-year, entry level contract.

NHL and hockey rumors for July 3, 2008

TSN is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning have asked Dan Boyle to waive his no trade clause. It's believed the Lightning have been talking to several teams about dealing Boyle, and one of them are the Ottawa Senators.

Sportsnet is also reporting that the Lightning are shopping goalie Mike Smith.

The Ottawa Sun is reporting that several teams, including the Senators and Oilers, are interested in acquiring free agent Miroslav Satan.

There are rumors that the Minnesota Wild have made an offer to Markus Naslund.

There's speculation that the Nashville Predators are interested in signing Georges Laraque.

Mats Sundin gave a statement on Wednesday indicating that he is flattered with all the interest, but doesn't know if he wants to play next season. Brochu's take: If this isn't a rejection of the Canucks 2-year, $20 million offer, I don't know what is.

The Phoenix Coyotes have re-signed goaltender Al Montoya and left wing David Spina, signed defenseman Drew Fata and right wing Derek Nesbitt to contracts. The Yotes have also signed 2008 NHL Entry draft picks Mikkel Boedker and Viktor Tikhonov to three-year, entry-level contracts.

Spezza, Jokinen, Marleau on the move?

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, three elite centres could be on the trading block this summer:

Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza, whose $8 million a year contract extension kicks in this summer.

Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen, with the Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks interested.

San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau, whose no trade clause becomes effective July 1. Garrioch speculates that the Boston Bruins may give up Glen Murray as part of a package deal. Brochu's take: Spezza's not going anywhere, but Jokinen may have used up his nine lives in Florida. GM Jacques Martin will do everything in his power to trade him. As for Marleau, no one wants Murray and his $4 million contract, so Garrioch can keep on speculating.

Phoenix Coyotes forward Blake Wheeler turned down Phoenix's entry-level deal and will now become an unrestricted free agent. The deal was the maximum offered under the old CBA. Wheeler is free to sign with any team, however he still has to comply with entry-level rules. There are rumors that his home state team, the Minnesota Wild, are interested.

The New York Islanders will not be re-signing impending UFAs Wade Dubielewicz, Miroslav Satan, Josef Vasicek and Ruslan Fedotenko. The three forwards were not offered any contracts while Dubielewicz rejected a "significant offer". The Islanders are also close to re-signing Tim Jackman to a two-way contract. Source

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Tim Kennedy to a two-year, ~$1.7 million contract. They have also signed Swedish goaltender Jhonas Enroth to three-year, entry-level contract. Brochu's take: The Sabres actually got some of their players under contract! Source

The latest NHL rumors

Larry Brooks of the New York Post is reporting that the New York Rangers are interested in Minnesota Wild forward Brian Rolston and Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Ryder. Brochu's take: The Rangers are probably looking at replacements for Jaromir Jagr, who seems to be on his way out of New York this summer. Ryder would be the logical choice, as Rolston is a centre and the Rangers are deep down the middle with Drury and Gomez. Source

Both Darren Dreger of TSN and Scott Morrison on CBC report that highly-touted Swedish prospect Fabian Brunnstrom is very close to signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks. Source

Jim Matheson believes that the Chicago Blackhawks won't be able to land impending free agent Brian Campbell because Campbell likes it in San Jose with his friend Joe Thornton. Matheson believes that they will try to get Wade Redden or John-Michael Liles. The Carolina Hurricanes have interest in Liles. Brochu's take: My bet is Liles, who the Canes were trying to get at the trade deadline. Given the right offer, Campbell will go anywhere. But he really likes it in San Jose so it's likely he'll sign there.

Matheson is also speculating that New York Islanders forward Miroslav Satan would be a target of the Vancouver Canucks. Brochu's take: Another trade-deadline trade that didn't come to pass, Satan would be a much needed scorer in the Canucks lineup. His sub-par season could make him affordable in the summer. Source

The Denver Post is reporting that the Buffalo Sabres are close to signing defenseman Chris Butler from the University of Denver.

Islanders shopping Satan, Fedotenko, Comrie?

According to Newsday, an NHL source said the New York Islanders are fielding offers for forwards Miroslav Satan, Ruslan Fedotenko and Mike Comrie, all of whom are headed to free agency this summer. GM Garth Snow has offered extensions to Comrie and forward Josef Vasicek, but only if they fit into Snow's salary structure. Source

Sources are also saying the Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild have interest in acquiring Satan.

Satan to Vancouver, Streit and Higgins to Atlanta?

According to Slovakian hockey site hokej.sk, there's a rumor that the Vancouver Canucks have offered forwards Ryan Shannon and Mike Brown to the New York Islanders for Miroslav Satan. Also, GM Dave Nonis was spotted talking to GM Garth Snow for 15 minutes at the GM meetings in Florida. Source

Swiss website hockeyfans.ch reports that the Montreal Canadiens are very interested in Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin and everyone's favourite rental player, Atlanta Thrashers forward Marian Hossa. The rumour is that the Habs have offered defenseman Mark Streit, forward Christopher Higgins and a first round pick to the Thrashers for Hossa. Source

TSN's Bob McKenzie is reporting that GM Bob Gainey is targeting an "impact player" at the trade deadline. It's believed that Gainey has offered Michael Ryder and a draft pick to the Calgary Flames for Alex Tanguay. McKenzie also confirms that the Canadiens are after Hossa and Sundin as well. Source

Rumors continue to fly about the Tampa Bay Lightning shopping forward Brad Richards, but his $7.8 million contract and no trade clause remains in the way. La Presse believes that the Canadiens would have interest. Source

The Los Angeles Kings have traded defenseman Jaroslav Modry to the the Philadelphia Flyers for a third round draft pick in 2008. Source

Jokinen for Marleau, Carle?

The latest NHL rumors from everyone's favourite rumormonger, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Sources say Florida Panthers assistant GM Randy Sexton held discussions with San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson early in the season that would have led to Olli Jokinen being shipped to the Sharks for Patrick Marleau and Matt Carle. Garrioch believes that this deal could happen at the trade deadline.

The Phoenix Coyotes are worried about Radim Vrbata's salary demands and he could be dealt. The Coyotes are also shopping defenseman Brendan Bell.

The New York Islanders are shopping Mike Comrie and Miroslav Satan. Satan is currently out with a knee injury.

Nick Schultz's impending UFA status may him available at the trade deadline. Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough could have had Schultz signed in the summer for $2.5 million but didn't. Schultz was awarded $1.8 million in arbitration. Now a lot of teams are calling.

Apparently LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi has told other GMs that any King over the age of 25 is available. This list includes Rob Blake, Ladislav Nagy, Derek Armstrong, Scott Thornton, Brad Stuart, Tom Preissing and Jaroslav Modry.

Daily Sundin rumor

The title is a bit of a joke. It seems whenever the Toronto Maple Leafs lose, the centre of the universe is saturated with rumours of every single person on the Leafs being shopped. The majority of the rumors are about centre Mats Sundin, who has consistently stated he does not want to be traded, and hasn't been asked to waive his no trade clause. Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons has thrown his hat in the ring (rink?), adding that the Leafs should listen to offers for Darcy Tucker, Jason Blake, Pavel Kubina, Mark Bell, Andrew Raycroft and Alexei Ponikarovsky. Source

Bob McKenzie has also jumped on the Sundin rumour mill, stating that he would probably get more back in a package than any player that was traded around last year's trade deadline.

Various sources have confirmed that the Carolina Hurricanes claimed Chicago Blackhawks forward Sergei Samsonov on re-entry waivers. The Canes will pick up half his salary.

GM Garth Snow attended the New York Islanders-Vancouver Canucks game. The Islanders are slowly falling out of the playoff race and could become sellers at the trade deadline. Could we see Miroslav Satan in a Canucks uniform come Feb 27?

Brochu's European round-up:

Defenseman Joe Rullier has been released from his pro tryout contract with the New York Islanders AHL affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers and signed with the Kloten Flyers of the Nationalliga A in Switzerland.

Swedish reports have St. Louis defenseman Christian Backman headed to the Carolina Hurricanes. Source

Canucks putting package for Satan, Demitra shopped?

According to an NHL source, the Vancouver Canucks could be putting a package together to get Miroslav Satan from the New York Islanders. GM Garth Snow has made it known that Satan could be available at the right price. It is believed the Islanders would like immediate scoring help, something the Canucks currently do not have.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Minnesota Wild would like to move Pavol Demitra. Demitra is due to be a UFA next summer.

Garrioch is also speculating that the NHL will consider an 84 game schedule, with the two extra games to be played in Europe. Source

The St. Louis Blues could be moving a defenseman in the very near future. They currently have seven defenseman on the roster, with several more NHL-ready prospects in the minors. Source

There are also rumors that the Blues would like to sign UFA Teemu Selanne. They believe that he would fit in perfectly with his old teammates and friends Paul Kariya and Andy McDonald.

According to the Toronto Star, a Russian tycoon has hired former NHLP executive Bob Goodenow to help create a new professional European hockey league. Alexander Medvedev, deputy executive of Russian energy giant Gazprom, is behind the new league, which also has former NHL star Igor Larionov on a ''working group'' to help start the league. It's also believed Scotty Bowman is consulting the venture. The league, tentatively called the "Open Russian Hockey League", or ORHL, could start as early as September 2008. Source

Canucks-Islanders talking?

Assistant GM Steve Tambellini is currently on a four game swing with the New York Islanders, part of a father-son road-trip the Islanders are having. Although he is going only as the father of Jeff Tambellini, this has not stopped rumors that he may be doing some advance scouting for the Canucks. According to an NHL Source, GM Dave Nonis has inquired about the availabilty of several players, including impending UFAs Miroslav Satan and Trent Hunter. GM Garth Snow has not decided if these players will be available at the trade deadline. Source

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes are interested in Ottawa Senators defenseman Joe Corvo. GM Bryan Murray has worked the phones last week seeking a player to jumpstart his team. Source

Brochu's European round-up:

Defenseman Jame Pollock has left the AHL Hershey Bears and signed with CSKA Moscow of the Russian Super League. He has been suspended by the Washington Capitals, but due to the lack of a transfer agreement between the NHL and Russia, he is free to join his new club. Source

Slovak defenseman Richard Stehlik has been rumored to be leaving the AHL Milwaukee Admirals and signing with HC Sparta Prague in the Czech Extraliga. The Nashville Predators are meeting with him and a decision should be finalized next week. Source

Snow denies Kovalev for Satan rumours

GM Garth Snow has denied rumours of a trade involving Alexei Kovalev and Miroslav Satan. Snow insists Satan won't be traded, but if the Islanders aren't in the running for the playoffs, he will most likely be shopped.

The Maple Leafs are trying to get top prospect John Tavares to play for the Leafs AHL ffiliate, the Toronto Marlies. The rumours were that the Leafs were offering a 3 year AHL contract, and hope that Tavares doesn't sign with whichever NHL team drafts him in 2009. However, numerous AHL and NHL bylaws prevent him from doing this, but it's possible that these could be changed through a majority vote. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that GM John Ferguson Jr. is shopping Alex Steen, Matt Stajan and Wade Belak. Source

Mattias Karlsson has left the Ottawa Senators AHL affiliate Birmingham and signed with Bofors IK in Sweden. Source

An update on Tony Salmelainen. Apparently he has signed a one year deal with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv of the Russian Super League for almost $1.5-million. Source

Staios to be traded?

According to the Metro News, Steve Staios could be traded for an established scorer. It's believed that Edmonton would package Staios and a prospect to get some scoring help. Rumours have swirled that it could be Glen Murray or Miroslav Satan, who is due to become an UFA next offseason. Source

Another Forsberg rumour has popped up in New York. According to Newsday, the Islanders have been pursuing Peter Forsberg. They have also inquired about the services of Josef Vasicek and Jason Allison. It's believed that GM Garth Snow and owner Charles Wang would offer a substantial contract to Forsberg, possibly in the $7-7.5 million range to entice him to the Island. Source

Mike Ricci has officially retired after 16 years in the NHL. Source