Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 7, 2009

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Jason Williams to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

The New Jersey Devils have re-signed forward Brendan Shanahan to a one-year deal.

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed forward Jannik Hansen to a one-year, two-way contract.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen has retired from hockey. Brochu's take: One of the few remaining players that actually played for the Winnipeg Jets, he will be missed.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Drew Bannister to a one-year deal. Bannister played for the Kassel Huskies in Germany last season.

Forward Jeff Hamilton has left the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and signed with HC Lugano in Switzerland. Source

Nashville Predators forward Antti Pihlstrom has left the organization and signed with Swedish club Farjestad. Source

Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 5, 2009

According to TSN, the Montreal Canadiens may facilitate a three-way traded involving the San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators, with Dany Heatley being the main player. According to a report in the Ottawa Sun, the Sharks have tabled a package that includes winger Jonathan Cheechoo, along with defenceman Christian Ehrhoff and a first-round selection. Brochu's take: Cheechoo is a shadow of his 56-goal season, so his value is quite low. GM Doug Murray is going to have to up the package if he's going to get Heatley, and not to mention he has to get rid of some salary.

The San Jose Sharks have announced that there will be a press conference on Thursday to confirm the retirement of Jeremy Roenick. Brochu's take: I'm going to miss him. His "wake up, NHL" quote is amongst the best rants in hockey history. That, and throwing the water bottle at the ref.

The Ottawa Senators have signed goalie Brian Elliot to a 2-year contract.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Patrick Eaves to a one-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Janne Pesonen has left the organization and signed with KHL team Ak Bars Kazan. Source

Minnesota Wild goalie Nolan Schaefer has left the organization and signed a deal with Russian team CSKA Moskva (Moscow). Source

Rangers walk away from Zherdev!

The New York Rangers have decided to exercise its right to walk away from the arbitrator’s award to forward Nikolai Zherdev, thereby allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. Zherdev was awarded a $3.9 million salary by way of arbitration. Brochu's take: I would guess that he would sign in the KHL, as most NHL teams have set their rosters for the upcoming 2009-2010 season. The Edmonton Oilers have already dismissed any interest in the Russian forward. Source

Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 4, 2009

The New York Islanders have re-signed forward Blake Comeau to a 2-year contract.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Cody McCormick to a one-year deal.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed goalie John Curry to a two-year deal. The Pens have also signed forward/defenseman Wade Brookbank and forward Wyatt Smith to contracts.

The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Milan Jurcina to a one-year deal.

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Brendan Bell to a contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Both forward Ville Peltonen and defenseman Ossi Vaananen have left the NHL and signed with Dinamo Minsk of the KHL.

Update tonight!

Sorry about the lack of updates, I've been moving the last few days. I can assure you that I won't be going away unannounced (like last year!), as I will be updating quite frequently.

Thanks for reading!