Hockey and NHL rumors for July 28, 2009

According to the News & Observer (Hurricanes blog), Carolina will not sign defensemen Dennis Seidenberg or Anton Babchuk. GM Jim Rutherford expects Babchuk to sign in Russia. Rutherford also confirmed that he will be buying out Frantisek Kaberle's contract. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Michael Forney to a 3-year, entry-level contract.

The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Sam Klassen to a contract.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded defenseman Anton Stralman, forward Colin Stuart and a 7th round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft to the Calgary Flames for forward Wayne Primeau and a 2nd round pick in the 2011 draft. Brochu's take: I would have thought Stralman would have fit in, but I guess Burke has other ideas. This gives the Flames a little salary cap relief, but there are rumors they aren't done.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Matt Smaby to a 2-year, $1 million deal.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Kellan Tochkin to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Bryce Lampman to 1-year contract. Lampman played with Amur Khabarovsk of the KHL last season.