NHL Lockout Signings: Switzerland

Here is a list of NHL players signing in Switzerland in the past few days:

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Luca Sbisa has signed with Lugano.

Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza has signed with Rapperswil-Jona.

San Jose Sharks forwards Logan Couture and Joe Thornton has signed with Geneve-Servette and HC Davos, respectively.

New York Rangers forward Rick Nash has also signed with Davos.

Montreal Canadiens defensemen Raphael Diaz and Yannick Weber has signed with EV Zug and Geneva-Servette.

New York Islanders defenseman Mark Streit has signed with SC Bern.

Detroit Red Wings forward Damien Brunner has signed with EV Zug.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 12, 2009

Here's the latest rumour update from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Edmonton Oilers are interested in Ottawa Senators forward Mike Fisher. GM Steve Tambellini would really like to add the hard-nosed player. Brochu's take: Fisher hasn't produced as his salary should indicate. I doubt the Oilers would want to add a long term contract like that.

The Oilers are, according to "league sources", still mildly interested in Jason Spezza.

The Senators, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings are interested in acquiring Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle.

Garrioch also believes there will be interest in Leafs forwards Nik Antropov, Matt Stajan, Alexei Ponikarovsky and Dominic Moore.

Garrioch also believes that the Columbus Blue Jackets would "love" Jason Spezza. He also adds that the BJs are trying to move defenseman Rostislav Klesla.

Garrioch reported in his blog that the Sens are looking to put goaltender Martin Gerber on waivers in the next few days. Brochu's take: Could this be GM Bryan Murray's last ditch effort to shake up his team? He certainly hasn't been able to do it with trades.

The Columbus Blue Jackets blog "Puck-rakers" on the Columbus Dispatch website is reporting that the Vancouver Canucks are expected to trade goaltender Curtis Sanford, and the Jackets are interested. It's also reported that the Dallas Stars could be another possible destination. Brochu's take: The Canucks do have to make a roster spot with the impending return of Roberto Luongo. The BJs have an abundance of draft picks that could be used to acquire Sanford.

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed forward Garth Murray on waivers.

Weekend NHL and Hockey Rumor Roundup for Jan 3-4, 2009

Sorry about the delay, but here's the weekend NHL and Hockey rumor report for Jan 3-4, 2009:

According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, the Ottawa Senators and Atlanta Thrashers have had talks, and it's likely that there could be a trade between these two teams. LeBrun believes that each team has what the other covets, and speculates that there could be a swap of defenseman Mathieu Schneider for Antoine Vermette. Brochu's take: The Sens are falling fast and they better make a move soon if they want to save the season. Source

It's Sunday, so it must be time for Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Florida Panthers are going to deal goalie Tomas Vokoun. Brochu's take: Vokoun's hefty contract, and his no trade clause, makes it unlikely he will be dealt.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to move defensemen Tomas Kaberle, Pavel Kubina, Mike Van Ryn and forward Nik Antropov. Garrioch is quoting sources that Kaberle would OK a deal to an Eastern Conference team, and the Montreal Canadiens are looking for a powerplay quarterback. Brochu's take: I don't think Brian Burke is going to do any favours for a divisional rival, but who knows if the right offer comes along.

The Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets each had scouts at last night's game. Both are believed to be in trade talks with the Senators and might have a mild interest in Jason Spezza. Brochu's take: The possibility of trades between these 3 teams is high, but I doubt it will involve Spezza in any way.

Al Strachan on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program "The Hotstove" reported that both defenseman Jay Bouwmeester and forward Nathan Horton no longer want to play for the Florida Panthers.

According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, the Vancouver Canucks could be looking at Leafs forward Nik Antropov. Brochu's take: He can probably be had for a 3rd rounder in the draft. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 3, 2009

Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik will have surgery on his hip on Monday and will be out a minimum of 10 weeks. This will rule out any chance of Gaborik being traded before the trade deadline, as players that are placed on the long-term injury list are ineligible to be traded. There's a small chance that his rights could be traded right before the July 1st UFA deadline. Brochu's take: And so dies the Gaborik rumors. Perhaps Gaborik should have taken that $8 milllion a year contract when he had the chance; now no one will pay that much for a oft-injured player.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Senators GM Bryan Murray might be willing to shop 1st round pick he received from the Tampa Bay Lightning. There has been interest in forward Antoine Vermette and defenseman Christoph Schubert, but none of the offers were good enough for the Sens. The Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets are believed to have mild interest in forward Jason Spezza. The BJs might also be interested in Vermette and forward Chris Kelly and might be offering up defenseman Kris Russell in return, although the Sens are believed seeking a more established blueliner. Brochu's take: Hmmm...looks like Garrioch reads the Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch, because this is essentially what they reported a few days ago, aside from Kelly's name being thrown in. Spezza's name continues to be in the rumor mill, but seriously, he won't be moved. Source

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Forward Dan LaCouture has left the Carolina Hurricanes franchise and signed with KHL team Barys Astana. Brochu's take: There were rumours of this a few days ago, but I don't think there was much interest in where Dan Lacouture was going. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 27, 2008

Sorry about the delay! But I promise there will be another post tonight, and I will be blogging late into the night if there are any trades once the NHL Christmas trade freeze ends tonight at midnight.

According to Canada.com, the Montreal Canadiens have discussed with hockey officials in France about playing a game there in the next two seasons, most likely in the 2010-2011 season. Donald Beauchamp, vice-president of communications with the Canadiens, confirmed that director-general of the Federation de Francaise Hockey sur Glace Eric Ropert met with team president Pierre Boivin in Montreal in September. The schedule is at the discretion of the NHL, but a game in Paris is possible in two years. Source

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that the Blue Jackets are in trade talks with six or seven teams, and their greatest need is an offensive centre. "I still think we can make the playoffs with the team we have now," GM Scott Howson said. "But we are trying to tweak the roster for sure. We've had conversations (with other general managers) over the past week." Brochu's take: Rumors are that he could be looking at New York Islanders forward Mike Comrie. Source

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Senators GM Bryan Murray is at the World Junior Hockey Championships and furiously discussing trade with several teams. Garrioch believes it's inevitable that forward Jason Spezza's name will pop up. Brochu's take: Ain't gonna happen, Bruce. Unless the Sens go into a death spiral, I don't see Spezza going anywhere.

Weekend NHL and Hockey Rumor Roundup for Dec 20-21, 2008

The following rumors are from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

There are apparently "whispers" in the NHL circles that the Atlanta Thrashers and Minnesota Wild are discussing a blockbuster trade that would see the Wild trade forward Marian Gaborik and defenseman Kim Johnsson to the Thrashers for forwards Ilya Kovalchuk and Colby Armstrong. Brochu's take: It's been reported earlier that the Wild and Thrashers have been in trade talks, and it's obvious that Garrioch just jumped in on this and added some likely names.

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, "The Hotstove", Al Strachan reported that the Ottawa Senators are still trying to move forward Jason Spezza. Brochu's take: You'd think that after signing that long extension, these type of rumors would die. But here they are. When's the last time a big contract player was traded??

Strachan also reported that the Florida Panthers are trying to move goaltender Tomas Vokoun, and the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to move goalie Cristobal Huet. Brochu's take: There's been rumors that the Panthers may be trying to shed more payroll because of the economic situation.

According to the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Stars are looking for a no.1 defenseman. There are rumors that they have called the Toronto Maple Leafs about the availability of defenseman Pavel Kubina.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 18, 2008

According to Adrian Dater of the Denver Post, the New York Rangers are willing to move forward Chris Drury in order to make room for Mats Sundin. Dater also believes that Drury would be willing to move his no-movement clause to go this old team, the Colorado Avalanche. The San Jose Sharks are rumored to be interested in his services. Brochu's take: No one is going to pick up Drury's $7+ million contract, especially for someone who scores around 65-70 points a season. Both teams that are mentioned are navigating very close to the salary cap as well. Source

Apparently, Mats Sundin is supposed to make his decision between the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers on Thursday, but his agent J.P. Barry reported that Mats may not make the decision until the weekend or even after the Christmas NHL trade freeze. Brochu's take: Sigh.

Darren Dreger is reporting that Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray may be under pressure to make moves to jumpstart his struggling club. Murray admitted that he had a call from another team about the possible availability of forward Jason Spezza, but was not interested at the time. Dreger believes that the Sens may shop the forward. Brochu's take: If the Canucks lose out on Mats Sundin, could they possibly go after Spezza? Source

The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed goaltender Fredrik Norrena on unconditional waivers. Norrena cleared waivers earlier this week, and if he clears this time, it's believed the Jackets will terminate his contract. Brochu's take: Norrena's agent is looking at jobs in Europe. Linkoping in Sweden has already denied they are interested in the backstoppper.

The St. Louis Blues have placed forward Cam Paddock on waivers.

Weekend rumor roundup for Nov 22-23, 2008

Here's the latest NHL and hockey rumor update for this weekend:

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun speculates that the Montreal Canadiens might be willing to shop forward Alexei Kovalev in order to fit Mats Sundin into their lineup. GM Bob Gainey has renewed his interest in the Swedish free agent after previously stating that he will was no longer pursuing him. Brochu's take: The Sundin rumors are amping up again.

Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis still has that 2-year, $20 million offer on the table for Mats Sundin, but if he can't sign him, the Canucks could make a pitch for Ottawa Senators centre Jason Spezza. Brochu's take: Could. However, given that the salary cap will go down next year, and the Canucks are comfortably under the cap, they might hesitate on adding a long term, expensive contract.

The Calgary Flames are shopping defenseman Adrian Aucoin. Source

The Buffalo News' Bucky Gleason is reporting that the Sabres should get rid of forwards Maxim Afinogenov and Tim Connolly, as well as defenseman Henrik Tallinder if the Sabres are to make the playoffs. Brochu's take: Afinogenov has been on the market for quite some time, but no one has been biting. Connolly's well-known injury troubles will scare off potential suitors. Tallinder's probably the only one that could attract some interest. Source

Garrioch on his Canoe.ca blog stated that the Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in Sens defenseman Christoph Schubert. No word on what may be coming back though. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 11, 2008

According to the Inside the Kings blog from the Los Angeles Daily News, the Kings may be shopping Brad Richardson or John Zeiler due to roster inflexibility. The two players are currently on one-way contracts and have been healthy scratches for most of the season. This also explained why the Kings did not pick up Buffalo Sabres forward Matt Ellis on waivers, even if they were interested. Brochu's take: I had reported that the Kings picked up Ellis on waivers, sorry about that. Ellis has cleared and has been sent to Buffalo's AHL affiliate. Source

The Colorado Avalanche has terminated the contract of forward Scott Parker for insubordination. Parker refused an assignment to the Av's AHL affliate Lake Erie Monsters and now is an unrestricted free agent. Brochu's take: He's not going to get much interest, especially with this kind of "insubordination." Source

According to the Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch website, Ottawa Senators scout Nick Polano has been at every Blue Jackets home game this season. Aaron Portzline dismisses the Jason Spezza rumors, however he notes that an asking price of Nikita Filatov and a no.1 draft pick would "start the conversation." Brochu's take: An interesting tidbit about that Sens scout. I wonder who he's looking at, considering Filatov is in the AHL right now. Source

The Colorado Avalanche have placed forward Jesse Boulerice on waivers.

The Detroit Red Wings have placed forward Aaron Downey on waivers, according to the TSN ticker. Brochu's take: I think this is the second time this season.

Weekend rumor roundup for Nov 8-9, 2008

It's been a busy week for NHL rumors, so here's what's been happening this weekend:

Larry Brooks of the New York Post believes that the Toronto Maple Leafs are already shopping defenseman Jeff Finger, who was signed to a four-year, $14 million contract this past summer. Brochu's take: Finger just came off the injury list, and they want to trade him? Source

Al Strachan reported on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program "The Hotstove" that the New York Islanders are shopping forward Mike Comrie around the league. Source

Pierre LeBrun also reported that the Detroit Red Wings are close to re-signing Henrik Zetterberg. The deal is rumored to be $7 to $8 million a year and the length could be up to 10 years.

The Denver Post is reporting a rumor that the Montreal Canadiens may trade goalie Jaroslav Halak to the Colorado Avalance for defenseman Brett Clark. Brochu's take: The salary cap implications don't make much sense here. At this time, Halak is no better than Budaj or Raycroft. Source

According to Slam Sports on canoe.ca, there has been an Atlanta Thrashers scout following the last three games of the Edmonton Oilers. Brochu's take: Maybe they were looking at one of their 3 goalies? Source

Jim Matheson reports that a trade of Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Pascal Leclaire, defenceman Rostislav Klesla and either a first-round draft pick or a forward like R.J. Umberger would at "least tweak Ottawa's interest." Brochu's take: Is this a real "rumor", or is just a fantasy proposal like you see on message boards? Bloggers aren't the only ones making stuff up, folks.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 28, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have placed defenseman Ken Klee on re-entry waivers.

The Atlanta Thrashers have placed forward Mike Hoffman on waivers.

According to Tim Sassone's "Between the Circles" blog on the Chicago Daily Herald website, the Chicago Blackhawks are one of the teams interested in Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza., who is rumored to be on the block. Brochu's take: I thought the Spezza rumors died down once he signed that huge extension. Again, the small issue of the salary cap stands in the way of this rumour. Source

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

Emery gone, Spezza for Luongo?

Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray revealed that goaltender Ray Emery will not be with the team next season. "My plan is not to have him back," Murray told reporters, "I told him (Emery) yesterday that the plan right now would be to investigate possible options for him," Murray said. "Meaning, to look for another team that is willing to make a trade." Murray also took the time to say that he will not trade Jason Spezza or Dany Heatley. Brochu's take: Emery was a major factor in the Senator's collapse this season. He will likely be gone via buyout, as few teams are interested in Emery. Source

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting a rumour of a blockbuster deal involving sending Jason Spezza to the Vancouver Canucks for Roberto Luongo. Brochu's take: Isn't this the "rumor" that Al Strachan said on CBC? Anything can happen, but there's about a 99.9995% chance that this trade would not happen. Source

Rumours continue to fly about who will become the new GM of the Vancouver Canucks. The Aquilini ownership group has already contacted Doug Armstrong, Neil Smith and John Muckler, while the frontrunners seem to be former agents Mike Gillis and Brian Lawton. The name of Kevin Cheveldayoff, the GM of the AHL Chicago Wolves, has been tossed around in NHL circles as well.

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Dan Bertram and defenseman Mike Brennan to entry-level contracts. Both players had just won the NCAA Division I hockey championship with Boston College.

Hockey rumors from all over

The following NHL rumours come from the intermission program "The Hotstove", during CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast:

Analyst Al Strachan believes there is "gossip" that the Vancouver Canucks could trade Roberto Luongo to the Ottawa Senators for Jason Spezza. Strachan believes that the rumors and speculation that Luongo wants out of Vancouver is distracting him. Brochu's take: Luongo clearly stated that he does not want out of Vancouver and is happy. But Strachan believes otherwise so it must be true. ;-)

Pierre LeBrun brings up the rumor around the trade deadline of the Florida Panthers asking for Daniel and Henrik Sedin in exchange for Olli Jokinen. LeBrun believes with the uncertainty of the Panthers management, this deal could be revisited in the summer. Brochu's take: I expect the Canucks to make a strong push for Jokinen sometime around the entry draft, as Jokinen and Luongo are good friends.

The latest from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Garrioch believes that both Toronto Maple Leafs coach Paul Maurice and Los Angeles Kings coach Marc Crawford will be fired in the off-season. Brochu's take: Well, that isn't hard to speculate.

Garrioch believes that Minnesota Wild forward Pavol Demitra will not re-sign with the club because he prefers a warmer destination. The Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested. Brochu's take: I didn't know Garrioch was so in tune with Demitra's personal preferences. Demitra will probably stay in Minnesota, as he gets along with friend and fellow Slovak Marian Gaborik.

The Edmonton Oilers will shop goaltender Dwayne Roloson. Brochu's take: The Oilers could use up the money freed by trading Roloson to get some more experience in the lineup.

The Ottawa Senators are planning to re-signing captain Daniel Alfredsson to a long contract extension once July 1st arrives.

Steen, Jovo swap?

According to the NHL blog on Expressen.se, the Phoenix Coyotes are very interested in acquiring Alex Steen. The Coyotes were close to acquiring the Maple Leafs forward in the summer, but they have increased their efforts lately. They believe Steen would fit well into their young team. Gunnar Nordström also believes that the Maple Leafs may try to get Ed Jovanovski in return to boost their blueline. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that Scott Niedermayer has established a personal deadline on his decision to return or retire. The veteran defenceman says he has been working out, staying in shape and is just starting to intensify his routine. Niedermayer admits a decision on his playing future will be made well before Christmas. Source

Anson Carter has committed to playing for HC Lugano in the Swiss Nationalliga A, starting from the international match break. Carter was unavailable to secure an NHL contract. Source

Jason Spezza has signed a 7 year, $49 million contract extension with the Ottawa Senators. The contract contains a no trade clause.

Oilers and Thrashers talking deal?

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that Atlanta Thrashers director of player personnel, Mark Dobson, has been watching the last three Oilers games. The Oilers need a puck-moving defenceman, among other things. Jarret Stoll seems to be the name coming up most often in rumours. Source

The Thrashers Blog on the Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that GM and interim coach Don Waddell has been talking to nine general managers in the last three days. Some he talked to about the coaching search, others about improving his roster. The Thrashers are in need of a defenseman and a centre. It's safe to assume that one of the teams he has been talking to are the Oilers. Waddell is also hoping to get a new contract extension with Marian Hossa, who has recently changed agents. Source

Bruce Garrioch is reporting that the Ottawa Senators and Jason Spezza are close to a long term contract extension. It will probably be in the 6-year, $45 million range, similiar to Dany Heatley's contract. Source

Spezza contract extension?

Several reports in Ottawa have indicated that the Senators have entered into negotiations with Jason Spezza on a contract extension. The deals are rumoured to be in the neighbourhood of 6 or 7 years at around $7.5 million a year. Spezza, who is an RFA next offseason, is also the new cover athlete and official spokesman for the NHL 2K8 video game. Source

Michael Peca is waiting if the New York Rangers will offer him a contract. The Rangers are currently over the cap, and may have to trade some players to fit Peca into the team.

There has been no word on the Stephen Weiss contract negotiations, and several teams including Toronto, Phoenix and Nashville have been watching closely.