Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 27, 2009

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed forward Martins Karsums to a one-year contract.

Forward Mike Sillinger has annnounced his retirement. Brochu's take: I'm pretty sure Sillinger has played for at least half of all the NHL teams. It will be sad to see him leave.

According to the Detroit News, free agent forward Darren McCarty is in Moscow looking to sign with a KHL team. There have also been rumors that he is considering retiring again. Source

There's a rumor that the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel. Kessel remains an unsigned restricted free agent, with only 6 weeks to the start of the NHL season. There are also several offers from KHL teams. Brochu's take: I think that he will re-sign with the Bruins, but they're going to have to trade someone to free up salary cap space.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Ottawa Senators goalie Jeff Glass is rumored to be signing with KHL team Barys Astana in Kazakhstan. Source

According to theKHL.net, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nikita Filatov has had several offers to play in Russia, but he remains focused on reaching the NHL. Filatov admitted he would consider the KHL if he were playing the AHL or on the "bench". Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 27, 2009

According to Sportsnet, the Ottawa Senators will either trade Martin Gerber or send him to the AHL on Tuesday. GM Bryan Murray confirmed that one team has had interest in Gerber, and that team is believed to be the Calgary Flames, who are looking for some goalie insurance. Brochu's take: Murray noted that he didn't want to take much salary back. The Sens may have to sweeten the deal with a draft pick.

The Chicago Daily Herald is reporting that the Blackhawks could be looking to add some veteran depth to their lineup. Possible targets could be New York Islanders forwards Bill Guerin, Mike Sillinger and Doug Weight, Los Angeles Kings forward Kyle Calder, Senators forward Chris Neil, and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nik Antropov. Brochu's take: The Islanders are rumored to be conducting a fire sale, so all those forwards could be had. Not sure why the Hawks would look at Calder again, since he hasn't done much in LA. Source

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is that Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke will make a "hard run" at Florida Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester.

Boston.com is reporting that the Boston Bruins could be after Bouwmeester as well, but it would cost either forwards Milan Lucic or Blake Wheeler to get him. The Bruins are looking for a top-4 defenseman. Brochu's take: If they trade Lucic, there will be a riot in Boston. And Wheeler is signed to a nice deal, and you just don't give up on young assets in today's NHL salary world. Source