NHL Lockout Signings: Czech Republic

Here is a list of NHLer that have signed in the Czech Republic (HC Lev Praha plays in the KHL):

Dallas Stars forward Jaromir Jagr, Montreal Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec, Carolina Hurricanes forward Jiri Tlusty, New Jersey Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Tomas Kaberle have signed with HC Kladno.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid and Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec have signed with Bili Tygri Liberec.

Edmonton Oilers forward Ales Hemsky has signed with HC Pardubice.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Pavel Kubina has signed with HC Vitkovice.

Calgary Flames forward Roman Cervenka has signed with HC Slavia Praha.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 17, 2009

According to Al Strachan of the Score, there's a rumor that the Toronto Maple Leafs could send defenseman Tomas Kaberle to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Marek Zidlicky and goaltender Josh Harding. The speculation is that the Leafs brass are very impressed with Harding. Harding is also due to be a restricted free agent this summer. Brochu's take: This may be the last chance for GM Brian Burke to deal Kaberle. Zidlicky is a good offensive defenseman, but his numbers have decreased since his Nashville days.

The Nashville Predators have named former Predator Martin Gelinas Director of Player Development. Gelinas spent last season with SC Bern of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Brochu's take: I take it this means Gelinas has retired from playing hockey.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

New York Islanders forward Jeremy Colliton is rumoured to be leaving the organization and signing with Swedish team Rogle for the 2009-2010 season. Source

Russian reports are saying that Pittsburgh Penguins forward Petr Sykora could be signing with KHL team Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Source

Zidlicky traded to Wild, more rumors

The Nashville Predators have traded defenseman Marek Zidlicky to the Minnesota Wild for Ryan Jones and a second round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: A bit of a salary dump, and I wonder how much new Wild owner (ex-Preds owner) Craig Leipold has to do with this trade.

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded defenseman Denis Gauthier and a second round pick in the 2010 draft to the Los Angeles Kings for Patrik Hersley and Ned Lukacevic. Brochu's take: I guess the Flyers didn't have to buyout Gauthier's contract. Source

The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Andrew Brunette. Terms were not disclosed as of this post.

The Boston Bruins have signed UFA forward Blake Wheeler to an entry-level contract.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Kyle Wellwood to a one-year, $997,500 contract. The Canucks are also rumored to be in pursuit of forward Niklas Hagman.

There are rumors that the Boston Bruins have made a 12-year, $100 million contract offer to Marian Hossa.

There are also rumors that Olaf Kolzig could be signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

More outdoor games coming?

With the Winter Classic going on today in Buffalo, there has been talk that outdoor games could become a fixture in the NHL schedule. "It's something we're going to look at doing more of," said Bill Daly, the NHL's deputy commissioner. "I wouldn't say we'd do an outdoor game every year. But it could become a semi-regular event. It's a little early to make those predictions. But it's a pretty interesting event." Source

The Globe and Mail is also reporting that there are rumors that the Ottawa Senators are looking to play an outdoor game on the Rideau Canal in front of temporary bleachers. The Montreal Canadiens are also looking to play their NHL All-Star game in 2008-2009 outdoors, possibly on the St. Lawrence river. Source

According to the Hurricanes blog on WRAL.com, Carolina could be targeting two defenseman: Marek Zidlicky of the Nashville Predators and Joe Corvo of the Ottawa Senators. Source

Konstantin Pushkarev has mysteriously rejoined the Iowa Stars of the AHL. Pushkarev had left the Dallas Stars organization in November to return home to Russia.

Happy New Year to all my readers!