Lightning shopping for goaltending help

Bob McKenzie of TSN is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning are looking for goaltending help. Both Johan Holmqvist and Marc Denis' play has been suspect, and GM Jay Feaster is working the phones to see if he can get a goalie to help his team. Source

Peter Forsberg has had a setback on his return to NHL hockey. Forsberg left the Swedish national team's practice after an hour, saying his ankle didn't feel right. "I'm not going to retire today, I'm going to check with the doctors to see one more time what can be done. They should be able to fix it. I don't want it to be any major procedures, if it's a small thing they can fix, I'll be okay, if not I think I'll let it be. It's looking pretty dark." Source

Brochu's European round-up:

Milan Bartovic has left the Atlanta Thrashers AHL affiliate in Chicago and signed a deal with HC Bílí Tygři Liberec of the Czech Extraliga. His contract had a clause where he could return to Europe if he did not make the NHL roster. Source

Travis Green has signed a one-year deal with EV Zug of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Green split last year with the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Poll Results:

Who has been the best rookie so far?

Jonathan Toews	67 (24%)
Patrick Kane	95 (34%)
Andrew Cogliano	42 (15%)
Sam Gagner	43 (15%)
Nicklas Backstrom	8 (2%)
Carey Price	21 (7%)
Other (leave in comments)	2 (0%)

Votes so far: 278
Poll closed

Penguins interested in Turco?

According to Steve Zipay at Newsday.com, "Pittsburgh reps have been following the Stars from city-to-city. The hunch: Assessing Dallas G Marty Turco and/or defensemen." The Penguins have been rumoured to be shopping for an experienced goalie. Source

Brochu's European round-up:

Erik Rasmussen and Dave Scatchard are interested in signing in Switzerland, specifically with SC Bern and EV Zug of the Nationalliga A. Rasmussen remains unsigned and Scatchard was recently released from his pro tryout contract with the New York Rangers. Source

Aftonbladet is reporting that Daniel Tjärnqvist will be joining Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Russian Super League. It is believed he will be joining the team after his participation in the Karjala Cup.

HC Lugano has contacted David Aebischer. Aebischer is currently playing for the AHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Canucks listening to Naslund offers?

These following rumours are courtesy of Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Vancouver Canucks aren't looking to move Markus Naslund, but GM David Nonis is listening to offers. He'd like to make a move to shake up his team and bring in a quality blueliner with defensemen Sami Salo, Kevin Bieksa and Lukas Krajicek all injured.

The Ottawa Senators have been shopping Joe Corvo all summer, but has not gotten any offers. Garrioch hints that the Canucks may be interested.

The Edmonton Oilers would like to move Raffi Torres. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Oilers have been talking, but neither have each other's needs.

Ducks GM Brian Burke will try to get the NHL to study a proposal that will allow teams to pick up a portion of a player's salary to facilitate more trades. While Burke tried a similar move last year with a per-transaction cap of $2 million and a per-team cap of $4 million, it didn't fly. It's believed he has lowered the amount this year to $500,000 per transaction and several GMs are on board.

Various reports in Boston indicate that Patrice Bergeron could be out for the season. According to Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli, Bergeron came within an "inch" of being paralyzed.

Steen, Jovo swap?

According to the NHL blog on Expressen.se, the Phoenix Coyotes are very interested in acquiring Alex Steen. The Coyotes were close to acquiring the Maple Leafs forward in the summer, but they have increased their efforts lately. They believe Steen would fit well into their young team. Gunnar Nordström also believes that the Maple Leafs may try to get Ed Jovanovski in return to boost their blueline. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that Scott Niedermayer has established a personal deadline on his decision to return or retire. The veteran defenceman says he has been working out, staying in shape and is just starting to intensify his routine. Niedermayer admits a decision on his playing future will be made well before Christmas. Source

Anson Carter has committed to playing for HC Lugano in the Swiss Nationalliga A, starting from the international match break. Carter was unavailable to secure an NHL contract. Source

Jason Spezza has signed a 7 year, $49 million contract extension with the Ottawa Senators. The contract contains a no trade clause.

Ozolinsh signs with San Jose

The San Jose Sharks have signed defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh to a one-year contract worth $625,000. Source

Pierre McGuire of TSN was on the Team 1040 in Vancouver and speculated that the San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Atlanta Thrashers are among the most likely to make a move in the near future. The Canucks are most likely shopping for a defenseman with Kevin Bieksa and Sami Salo out indefinitely.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Nolan Pratt to a one-year, $550,000 deal. Source

Poll Results:

Which team has been the most surprising?

Minnesota	31 (33%)
Ottawa	3 (3%)
Atlanta	24 (25%)
Philadelphia	31 (33%)
Other	4 (4%)

Votes so far: 93