NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 4, 2009

According to the New York Post, Markus Naslund has retired from the NHL at the age of 35. Naslund notified New York Rangers GM Glen Sather of his decision at an exit interview on Thursday. The Rangers have not commented on the newspaper report. Naslund still has one year remaining on his contract, worth $3 million. Brochu's take: Naslund was once amongst the top 3 players in the league. However, he's never really been the same since the Steve Moore hit.

The San Jose Sharks have signed forward John McCarthy to a two-year, entry-level contract. McCarthy was the Sharks' 7th round pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

According to TSN, the Philadelphia Flyers have had significant discussions with Ray Emery's agent, J.P. Barry, about a return to the NHL. Emery played in Russia last season in the Kontinental Hockey League with Atlant Mytischi and has a lucrative offer on the table to return to the KHL with the same club. The Flyers have been rumored to be looking to improve their goaltending position, and they are also interested in Florida Panthers goalie Craig Anderson and Atlanta Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen. Brochu's take: There's also rumors that the Edmonton Oilers are looking closely at the young netminder. Source

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting the Blackhawks and free agent-to-be forward Martin Havlat are discussing a 8-10 year contract extension. Brochu's take: While Havlat finally had an injury-free season, his questionable injury history should scare any team off a long-term offer like that. The Hawks would be making a big mistake if they did that. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Buffalo Sabres goalie Mikael Tellqvist has left the organization and has signed with Russian club Ak Bars Kazan for the 2009-2010 season.

Trade deadline wrap-up, Part 4

Part 4:

The Phoenix Coyotes traded goalie Mikael Tellqvist to the the Buffalo Sabres for a 4th round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired defenceman Andy Wozniewski from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for blueliner Danny Richmond.

The New York Islanders traded forward Bill Guerin to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a conditional draft pick. The draft pick that Pittsburgh gives up will start as a fifth-round pick. If Pittsburgh makes the playoffs, it increases to a fourth-rounder. If they get to the second round, it becomes to a third round pick. Brochu's take: Finally! Guerin's saga is finally over today. It would seem that the Capitals had pulled out of the deal early on, and that's why it's dragged on.

Patrick O'Sullivan was originally shipped along with a second round draft pick in 2009 from the Los Angeles Kings to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward Justin Williams. Brochu's take: This trade had been rumored late last night.

The ‘Canes then turned around and dealt O'Sullivan and the draft pick they received from the King to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Erik Cole and a 5th round pick in 2009. Brochu's take: Cole never really panned out in Edmonton, as he unable to match his stats from his Carolina days.

The Edmonton Oilers also acquired forward Ales Kotalik from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2nd round pick in 2009. Brochu's take: Wait, the Sabres and Oilers made a deal? So much for the frostiness between the two teams since the Thomas Vanek offer sheet affair. Mind you, Kevin Lowe is no longer the Oilers GM.