Leipold interested in the Wild?

According to a report on rds.ca, Craig Leipold is interested in buying the Minnesota Wild. Leipold wants to buy the team from the current ownership group with the money he will receive from the sale of the Predators. He has had some discussions with Wild chairman Bob Naegele, however Naegele has denied he spoke with him. Source

A Russian website has indicated that Stanislav Chistov has signed for Salavat Yulayev Ufa. It is believed that former Canucks prospect Kiril Koltsov helped convince him to play in Russia.

*Update* Juraj Kolnik has signed with HC Genève-Servette. Source

Bowman close to Leafs job?

According to the Globe and Mail, Scotty Bowman may be very close to accepting the job of president of the Maple Leafs. Bowman rejected the Leafs' first offer but sources have claimed he may take the job as soon as Thursday. Also, it is believed that a complete housecleaning of the Maple Leaf organization would then take place, with GM John Ferguson Jr. and Paul Maurice being let go. Source

Peter Forsberg is back on the ice and skating. He played in a charity game in Finland and scored two goals and three assists. His ankle is believed to be fully healed and Forsberg saids it feels good. It is believed Colorado and Detroit are interested in signing him, but Forsberg has not made a decision on whether to return to the NHL.

Canucks interested in Dustin Brown?

According to a source, GM Dave Nonis has made several calls about the availability of Dustin Brown. Brown, who scored 17 goals and 46 points last year, will be earning $1.175 million dollars in the 2007-2008 season. The LA Kings are looking for veteran forward depth and currently have a glut of defenseman. However, the Canucks would have to overpay severely for GM Dean Lombardi to even consider a deal.

Michael Holmqvist has signed with Västra Frölunda Indians HC in Sweden. He played for the Chicago Blackhawks last season. Source

Petr Tenkrat has signed with Timrå IK in Sweden. He played last year for Boston. Source

J.P. Vigier has signed with HC Genève-Servette. He played last year for the Atlanta Thrashers. Source

Brochu's European round-up

Ric Jackman has signed with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. Jackman spent last season with the Anaheim Ducks. It's believed the contract contains an out-clause. Source

Jamie Lundmark has signed with Dynamo Moscow.

Dmitri Afanasenkov has also signed with Dynamo Moscow.

Brian Burke's conference call indicated that he has already shopped the 1st,2nd and 3rd rounder in 2008 he received as compensation from Edmonton.

Weiss speculation?

There has been a lot of talk about who those three teams that have contacted Florida about Stephen Weiss. The teams are rumoured to be Ottawa, the Islanders and Nashville.

Phoenix had some interest in Alex Auld before they signed David Aebischer. Auld may sign a minor-league contract, but there are still several backup positions in the league, such as San Jose and LA. Source

Results of the Poll will be posted tonight. Looks like Brian Burke is holding out to the bitter end to announce his decision.