Hockey and NHL rumors for Dec 3, 2009

The Montreal Canadiens have traded Kyle Chipchura to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: Chipchura's lack of offense in the pros has severely hampered his development. Maybe a change of scenery will help.

The Chicago Blackhawks have called a press conference for Thursday afternoon when it's expected that they will announce contract extensions for Patrik Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith. Kane and Toews deals is believed to be both in the 5 year range, while Keith's deal is in the 13 year range. TSN's Bob McKenzie believes that the Hawks may place defenseman Brent Sopel and his $2.4 million on waivers. Brochu's take: The Hawks are pretty much at the max of their salary cap for next season, and they still might need to free up some "tagging room". Moves may be coming soon.

The New York Rangers have claimed forward Erik Christensen off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks. The Rangers have also placed goalie Steve Valiquette on waivers.

The Atlanta Thrashers have placed defenseman Noah Welch on waivers.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 21, 2008

There's a rumor floating around tonight that the Chicago Blackhawks have traded defensemen Brent Sopel and Dustin Byfuglien to the Washington Capitals for forward Michael Nylander. Byfuglien was a late scratch from tonight's Chicago Blackhawks-Dallas Stars game. Brochu's take: Bob McKenzie of TSN reported that this deal was very close to happening, and it might have happened tonight. Stay tuned.

The Edmonton Oilers have placed forward Jesse Boulerice on waivers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have claimed forward David Koci off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Daniel Tjarnqvist is rumoured to be signing with Swedish club Rogle. Tjarnavist has been a healthy scratch for the Avs inevery single game this season. Source

Ovechkin signs 13 year, $124 million contract extension!

The Washington Capitals have signed Alexander Ovechkin to a 13 year, $124 million contract extension. The contract will expire in the 2020-21 season when Ovechkin will be 35 years old. It is the largest contract in NHL history. Source

The Florida Panthers have acquired defenceman Magnus Johansson from the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday for a seventh-round draft pick in 2009. Source

The Chicago Blackhawks have also signed defenseman Brent Sopel to a three-year, $7 million contract. The Chicago Herald is also reporting that the Hawks are close to signing Patrick Sharp to a multi-year extension. Source

The Minnesota Wild announced Bob Naegele's majority stake will be bought by former Nashville Predators owner Craig Leipold. Sources tell TSN that the purchase price is $260 million. Leipold has been rumoured for a long time to be interested in buying the Wild.

The Wild have also put forward Dominic Moore on waivers.

The Vancouver Canucks have claimed forward Kris Beech off waivers from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Source

Carter, York to Switzerland?

According to Swiss newspaper "Blick", Anson Carter and Jason York could be headed to Switzerland. Carter, who suffered a concussion in his first pre-season game, has not been offered a contract by the Oilers yet. York, who is at the Senators camp, also has yet to sign with the club. York has previously played for HC Lugano in 2005-2006.

Steve Downie has been handed a 20 game suspension from the NHL. However, it is unlikely that he will make the NHL this season, and it's believed it will carry over to whenever he makes the Flyers squad.

Brent Sopel has left the Red Wings training camp and signed a one year, $1.5 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Also, Mark Smith has signed with the Calgary Flames. Smith was released by the New York Rangers earlier this week. Source

Flashback Friday: With all the recent concussion talks, anyone remember this from 2004?

Metropolit invited to Bruins camp

Glen Metropolit has been invited to attend the Boston Bruins trading camp. Metropolit has been in discussions with the Bruins for a few weeks, according to the Swiss newspaper "Blick". If he doesn't get a contract with Boston, Nationalliga A teams SC Bern, HC Lugano and ZSC Lions have shown interest. Source

Other notable camp invitees are: Brent Sopel, Jassen Cullimore and Aaron Downey - Red Wings, Jim Dowd and Rory Fitzpatrick- Flyers, and David Tanabe - Hurricanes.

Janis Sprukts has signed in Finland with Rauman Lukko of the SM-liiga. Sprukts had just signed with Riga 2000, but this new contract only lasts for 4 months, and he may return to Latvia afterwards. Source

Mike Dunham has become the new goaltending coach for the New York Islanders. One thing about Islanders goalies is that they have good job security. Former backup Garth Snow becomes the GM, and Rick DiPietro got a 15-year contract. Could Wade Dubielewicz be the next Islanders coach? ;-)

Niinimaa signs with Davos - official

Janne Niinimaa has signed with HC Davos in Switzerland. Niinimaa played for the Montreal Canadiens last season, amassing 3 assists in 41 games. Source

According to Bruce MacLeod of the Macomb Daily, Brent Sopel will attend the Wing's training camp as a tryout. Sopel split last year with Vancouver and LA, scoring 5 goals and 23 assists in 64 games.