NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 18, 2008

The Boston Bruins have signed forward Jordan Knackstedt to a contract. Terms were not disclosed.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed defenseman Matt Greene to a 5-year, $14.75 million contract extension that will begin next year. The Kings have also signed defenseman Andrew Campbell to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Vancouver Canucks have placed forward Kyle Wellwood on waivers.

The Colorado Avalanche have placed forward Scott Parker on waivers.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman David Tanabe has retired from hockey. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said today that the team had reached a settlement with the defenseman that will pay the former first-round draft pick $850,000 over the next three years. Source

According to Bob McKenzie on the Team 1040 radio, there are rumors that Tampa Bay Lightning ownership are not happy with the way coach Barry Melrose has been playing with Steven Stamkos playing time. There's also speculation that Melrose uses outdated tactics in practise and many of the players are "bored" with the same drills. Brochu's take: Make no mistake, owners Koules and Barrie are not patient people, and if Melrose doesn't get this team going, he's good as gone.

Rumors are still floating around that the Colorado Avalanche have some interest in Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin.

NHL and hockey rumors for June 24, 2008

The Ottawa Senators have officially bought out the contract of goalie Ray Emery, making him an unrestricted free agent. Emery signed a three-year, $9.5 million contract in July of 2007 and has two years and $6.75 million remaining on his contract. Under CBA rules, the Senators are on the hook for one-third of Emery's remaining salary, $2.25 million. That amount will be spread across twice the length of the remaining years of the contract, resulting in a cap hit of slightly less than $600,000 for the next four years. Brochu's take: The Senators couldn't find a trade partner for the troubled netminder, but some team will pick him up. Emery also has the option to play in Europe.

Los Angeles Kings goale Dan Cloutier was expected to be bought out over the weekend but, according to CKNW Radio in Vancouver, a source is claiming that if the former Canucks goalie is injured, the team cannot complete the move, and will be force to pay his $3 million salary for the 2008-2009 NHL season. Brochu's take: Cloutier and "injuries" go together like ham and eggs. I expect some sort of grievance will be filed to the NHLPA for this.

Three players have been put on waivers by their teams for the purpose of being bought out if they clear waivers tomorrow at noon: Washington Capitals forward Ben Clymer and Carolina Hurricanes' Jeff Hamilton and David Tanabe. Brochu's take: There are rumors that the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers have interest in Hamilton has a power play specialist.

The Nashville Predators have re-signed defenseman Shea Weber to a three-year, $13.5 million contract extension.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed forward Vaclav Prospal to a four-year, $14 million contract extension. Source

The Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed forward Andrew Ladd to a two-year, $3.1 million contract. Source

Havlat out indefinitely

Martin Havlat will be sidelined indefinitely with a right shoulder injury. "The doctor is quite confident he can come back and play without surgery," GM Dale Tallon said Friday night. "We're going to let it settle down for a couple of weeks and get the swelling and general soreness down." This means Havlat will miss at least 4 weeks. Source

The Edmonton Oilers have signed GM Kevin Lowe to a four-year extension, as per TSN. Lowe and GM Brian Burke of the Ducks have been in a verbal spar over the Dustin Penner affair, and it's been rumoured that the NHL head office has warned Burke about his comments.

David Tanabe has signed a two-year, $1.5million dollar deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Heatley, Senators close to deal?

According to TSN and other sources, Dany Heatley may be close to a contract extension with the Ottawa Senators. Talks broke off late Tuesday, but they will resume tomorrow. Heatley has stated he wants the deal done before the self-imposed deadline of Wednesday night. Heatley is seeking an $8+ million a year contract and the two parties seem to be stuck on discussions of a no trade clause and term. Asked if trade was an option, GM Bryan Murray said "I guess anything’s an option." Source

The "Tages-Anzeiger" newspaper is reporting Bryan Muir may be signing with EHC Basel in Switzerland. Muir was released from the Maple Leafs training camp this week. Also, the paper is reporting that David Tanabe will most likely not be signing with Basel, citing a lack of money and Tanabe's wife not willing to move overseas.

According to The Globe and Mail, Glen Sather turned down a five-year contract extension with the New York Rangers during the summer and may be leaving the NHL for good after this season. This could open the door for Mark Messier, who has been campaigning for an executive job in the league. Source

Hockey Night in Prague?

According to TSN, the NHL could start its 2008-2009 NHL season in Prague, Czech Republic. It's rumoured that the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning would be the participants in a two game series. Officials have spoken to both teams about going overseas. Source

Swiss reports have rumoured David Tanabe to sign with EHC Basel. Tanabe is currently in the Blues training camp. With the injury to Jay McKee, it would seem more likely he would sign with St. Louis then in Switzerland.

Petr Cajanek has been waived by the St. Louis Blues. His $2 million contract will deter most teams, but if he is ever recalled, half his contract will be payed by the blues. The Canucks and Oilers have shown mild interest, but will most likely wait for him to be recalled first. Source

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? ;-)