Yashin back to the NHL?

Alexei Yashin wants to return to the NHL for the 2008-2009 season. His agent, Mark Gandler, reports that Yashin is happy playing for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the Russian Super League, but misses the high level of play of the NHL. After his buyout last summer, Yashin wanted to return to the Ottawa Senators, but there was no interest. Three other teams made a bid, but tried to lowball Yashin to a lower salary. He's open to coming back next season, and teams that are rumored to have shown some interest are the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks. Source

Brochu's European roundup:

Forward Jason Guerriero will leave the AHL Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators affiliate) at the end of the season and play next year for EHC Visp of the Swiss Nationalliga B. Source

Forward Jean-Guy Trudel will leave the AHL Peoria Rivermen (St. Louis Blues affiliate) at the end of the season and play next year for ZSC Lions of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Source

Pitkanen trade bait?

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal wonders if the Edmonton Oilers should shop Joni Pitkanen. Matheson suggests it would be best to trade Pitkanen for a "one shot scorer" before he hits restricted free agency this summer. Pitkanen could receive $5 million a year on the market. Matheson suggests that the Carolina Hurricanes or the LA Kings could be interested if the Finnish defenseman was made available. Source

Brochu's European round-up:

European club champion Metallurg Magnitogorsk (Russia) will play the NHL-challenger, New York Rangers, in the inaugural Victoria Cup on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 in Berne, Switzerland. The announcement was made jointly by the IIHF and the NHL. The Rangers will also play Swiss club SC Bern in an exhibition match. Source

There are rumours that Darren Haydar will leave the Atlanta Thrashers organization next year and sign with Ambri Piotta in Switzerland.

Jean-Guy Trudel may leave the Peoria Rivermen (St. Louis Blues AHL affiliate) and sign with ZSC Lions in Switzerland.