Marleau signs extension

Patrick Marleau has agreed to a 2 year extension with the San Jose Sharks. He will earn $4.5 million in the final year of his current contract and $6.3 million each of the next two years. Source

In some ironic news, Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey denied the Marleau trade rumours that have "swirled" on the internet. Source

Tony Salmelainen has officially signed a one year, two-way contract with the Maple Leafs. The deal is rumoured to be around the $500,000 range. Source

Jan Bulis signs in Russia

Jan Bulis has signed with Chimik Mytišči in Russia. The deal is believed to be in the $1.3 million range. Source will be coming soon.

Cherepanov out of series

Alexei Cherepanov is out for the entire Canada-Russia Super Series. Cherepanov suffered the concussion when he was hit by Brandon Sutter in Game 2 of the series. Russian officials have demanded that Sutter be suspended for the rest of the games. Cherepanov was drafted 17th overall by the New York Rangers in this year's draft. Source

The latest Forsberg rumour has him going to Toronto...as well as 29 other teams.

Peter Skudra has retired from hockey. Skudra played for Metallurg Novokuznetsk last season. Skudra last played in the NHL for the Vancouver Canucks in 2002-2003.

Forsberg back sooner?

Another day, another Forsberg rumour. According to Aftonbladet, Peter Forsberg may be returning to hockey sooner than before. Harald Lückner, Modo's coach had this to say: "I spoke to Peter about training with Modo, but he refused. I think he's looking to return to the NHL in September." Lückner also believes that there's a slim possibility that he may play with Modo for the upcoming year. Forsberg has decided not to play any more Swedish matches or do any on-ice training until training camp resumes in the NHL. Thanks to "Wolf" for the translation.

Jose Theodore may miss the beginning of the season after recovering from knee surgery. RDS reports that he could miss up to 5 weeks. Source

The Dallas Stars have signed defenseman Vadim Khomitski to a one year, one way contract. Khomitski played in nine games for the Iowa Stars in the AHL last season, scoring one goal and six assists. Source

Metropolit, Vaananen updates

According to a Swiss source, Glen Metropolit may be signing with the Boston Bruins. Metropolit had previously played with HC Lugano in 2005-2006, where he led the league in scoring. Lugano also won the Nationalliga A that year. In 2007 Metropolit was traded to the St. Louis Blues along with draft picks in the Keith Tkachuk deal. Source

Acccording to the HC Davos homepage, Ossi Väänänen may be signing with Davos. Vaananen played for the Colorado Avalanche last season, where he scored 2 goals and 6 assists in 74 games. Source

Wickenheiser to Sweden?

According to Sportbladet, Hayley Wickenheiser may be training with AIK IF in Sweden. AIK IF plays currently in the Allsvenskan, the second highest league in Sweden. AIK is denying the rumours, and it's also speculated that she could be training in Finland. Wickenheiser played for Kirkkonummi Salamat, a men's team in the Suomi-sarja league in Finland in 2003. Thanks to "Wolf" for the translation. Source

Niedermayer may return after all?

According to TSN, Scott Niedermayer has revealed that returning to play may still be a possibility. "I'm in a different spot, no question about it," he told TSN. "But again, I'm just trying to make the right decision. I know it's unfortunate that people are waiting to see what the decision is - it's not fun, but that's the way it is right now." Source

Giordano signs in Russia

Mark Giordano has signed with Moscow Dynamo of the RSL. Giordano was offered a two-way contract with Calgary but instead signed with Dynamo for $800,000. Source

Various sources on the internet have confirmed early reports last week that Ed Belfour has signed with Leksands IF. The Eagle will be getting familiar with his new teammates and akvavit very soon.

Jarkko Immonen signs in Finland

Jarkko Immonen has signed with JYP Jyväskylä in Finland. It is a 3 year contract that has an out clause to the NHL. Immonen was acquired from Toronto in the Brian Leetch trade. Source

Niedermayer, Selanne update

Scott Niedermayer and his brother Rob will be showing the Stanley Cup around their hometown of Cranbrook today. This could be the day that he will announce his decision on retirement. A report on the weekend stated that both Selanne and Niedermayer enrolled their children into schools in Southern California. However, Selanne loves the California lifestyle and spends most of his off-season there. Selanne did miss a scheduled charity game on Saturday.

Nashville is looking for another scorer in their top 6, but may not make a move until after training camp. They are hoping players like Vern Fiddler and Martin Gelinas can step up and fill the hole.

Salmelainen to Toronto?

According to Finnish website iltasanomat.fi, Tony Salmelainen is close to signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. A rough translation is as follows: "I've been in touch with them. Hopefully I can finalize the deal with the Leafs." Salmelainen said, "That's where I'd want to be. I lived a year there and I have friends there. I'd be happy to go if the deal comes through." Source

Sullivan out 3 months

Steve Sullivan underwent back surgery Thursday and will be out for at least 3 months. Sullivan had been rehabbing in Vancouver but doctors recommended a second procedure to correct the disc problem in his back. This has set off rumours that the Predators will shop for some offense with their surplus of quality, young defenseman. Source

Bryan Berard has been invited to the Islanders training camp. Berard played for the Blue Jackets last season, amassing 3 assists in 11 games in an injury-plagued year. Source

According to a source in Vancouver, the Canucks have no interest in Anson Carter and are close to signing another defenseman.

Giguere to miss 2 months?

According to RDS, Jean-Sébastien Giguère will miss up to 10 weeks after his hernia surgery. Doctors have told Giguere that he will miss at least the first few weeks of the season. This should put a stop to the Ilya Bryzgalov trade rumours, and look for Anaheim to shop for a temporary fill-in for Giguere. Source

The Ducks have hired Trent Yawney as a scout. Yawney was fired as coach of the Chicago Blackhawks late last year.

The Kings have signed free agent Drew Bagnall to an entry-level contract.

There's been a lot of talk between Toronto and Dallas lately. The Stars are very interested in Matt Stajan.

Weiss signs six year deal

The Florida Panthers have signed Stephen Weiss to a 6 year, $18.6 million deal. Weiss will earn an average of $3.1 million per year. It appears teams are now willing to overpay to retain their RFAs. Source

As reported earlier here, Nikita Alexeev has signed with Ak Bars Kazan in Russia. Source

Canucks interested in another D?

According to the Vancouver Province, GM Dave Nonis still has room under the cap to make changes to his team. The Trevor Linden contract has performance bonuses that can be applied to next year's cap if necessary. "I would add another defenceman if I could," Nonis said. "There might be a free agent that comes available at numbers that make sense, but I would say more than likely if we were to add to our forward group it would be through the trade route." It's believed that Nonis would like to add a depth defenseman, as well as another defenseman that can play the PP for the Canucks' AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. Sources have indicated that Nonis is interested in Nolan Pratt and Andy Hedlund. Source

Next Monday has been proclaimed "Rob and Scott Niedermayer Day" by Cranbrook BC, the Niedermayers' hometown. The brothers will be showing the cup around their town as well as neighbouring Fernie. Could this be the day that Scott Niedermayer will confirm or refute the retirement rumours? Source

The Columbus Dispatch notes that Mike Peca could earn up to $1.9 million with bonuses next year. Peca will get a $500,000 bonus if the Blue Jackets make the playoffs and he appears in 65 games. He'll get $50,000 if he plays in 40 games and an additional $50,000 if he appears in 70 games. Source

Tjarnqvist signs in Russia

Daniel Tjärnqvist has signed a one year, $1 million deal with Ak Bars Kazan. It's been rumoured for a few days that he was going to sign in Russia. It would seem the Oilers (or any other team in the NHL) were unwilling to give him that much money. The article also mentions that current Oilers vice-president of hockey operations Kevin Prendergast may be the front runner for the vacant assistant GM job in Edmonton. Source

The Flyers are considering reworking Jason Smith's contract during Philly's training camp. The defenseman has one year left at $1.976 million. Source

Franchise in Las Vegas?

Casino giant Harrah's Entertainment announced Wednesday it is partnering with AEG to build a 20,000-seat arena capable of housing an NBA or NHL team in Las Vegas. The arena is projected to open in 2010. Earlier this year, Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer was rumoured to be in discussions for an NHL franchise team in Vegas. Source

A Boston source has indicated that the rumoured deal for Jay McKee may surround around Glen Murray.

Niedermayer/Selanne decision soon?

The Orange County Register reports that both Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne will decide on their future by early next week. It is rumoured that both will retire before training camp starts on Sept. 10. GM Brian Burke admits that the likelihood of both players returning is slim. "My guess would be that they’re probably not [return]. If that were their intent, I think I would have heard by now." Source

Michael Peca has signed a one year deal with Columbus. Official confirmation of the deal will happen after Peca's physical with the Blue Jackets' doctors. Source

Jeff Heerema has signed with the Frankfurt Lions. The former first rounder of the Carolina Hurricanes spent last year in the AHL with the Binghamton Senators where he scored 36 goals and 31 assists in 78 games. Source

Ohlund, Visnovsky,Warrener on the block?

According to Metro News, Mattias Ohlund, Lubomir Visnovsky and Rhett Warrener are "being mentioned in blockbuster-trade possiblities." However, it would seem unlikely given that Ohlund has a no trade clause and Visnovsky just signed a 5-year extension. Warrener would hardly be considered a "blockbuster", unless he was packaged with a player like Kristian Huselius, who is rumoured to be on the move. Source

Don Meehan, Mike Peca's agent, confirmed that Peca will make his decision tomorrow (Tuesday). The Rangers and Blue Jackets are the most likely destinations, with an unknown third team. Source

According to TSN, Serge Payer has signed with the Wild. It is a one year, two-way contract. Source

Several league sources have indicated that the NHL is paying very close attention to the Hawk-Eye technology that may be used this season in the English Premier League. Officials are studying the costs and implementation of this innovation, with a possible look to using Hawk-Eye sometime before the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

Klemm to LA?

According to the NHLPA official website, Jon Klemm has been signed by the LA Kings. This is still awaiting official confirmation. Source

Peca to Blue Jackets?

According to the Columbus Dispatch, Michael Peca may sign with the Blue Jackets. It's believed that GM Scott Howson wants to use the money freed from the Svitov contract on an offer to Peca. The Rangers are still negotiating with him, and the Maple Leafs are still interested. Also, the article mentions that the Jackets may go after Jason Allison, Mike Johnson and Danny Markov. Source

According to the Boston Globe, Nikita Alexeev may be signing in Russia. Alexeev played for the Chicago Blackhawks last season. Source

The same Globe article mentions that GM Bob Gainey "inquired about Bergeron's availability approximately a month before the 2007 trade deadline." GM Peter Chiarelli said he wasn't interested at the time. Source

RDS has reported that the Philadelphia Flyers have invited Patrick Lebeau to their training camp. The 37 year old last played in the NHL for the Penguins, and has spent the last five years playing for the Frankfurt Lions in the DEL. Source

Poll Results

Which division will be the toughest?

Atlantic	25 (9%)
Northeast	22 (8%)
Southeast	7 (2%)
Central	2 (0%)
Northwest	193 (73%)
Pacific	12 (4%)

Total Votes: 261

Belfour signs in Sweden

Ed Belfour has signed with Leksand of the Allsvenskan in Sweden. Leksand is in the second tier league in Sweden. The deal is rumoured to be 1 billion dollars. ;-) Source

Selanne update

According to the official Ducks website, the Finnish interview reported yesterday was not true. Selanne has not talked to anybody about retiring and is looking forward to returning to the United States to decide his future. Source

With Alexander Svitov abandoning the Blue Jackets to sign with Avangard Omsk, could the Jackets be looking for help in their forwards? GM Scott Howson may be looking for help via the UFA route, as there are still some forwards such as Eric Lindros and Jason Allison still available.

There's a rumour that Trevor Linden has signed a one year, $750,000 deal with the Vancouver Canucks and will be announced officially on Monday.

Forsberg update

According to Metro News, the Edmonton Oilers "have increased their offer" to Peter Forsberg. It's believed that Forsberg is seeking a contract comparable to his salary last season. Forsberg has also been persuaded by Markus Naslund to join the Vancouver Canucks. However, it's likely that Forsberg will only be returning to the NHL in December or January. Source

Michael Peca is still in negotiations with the Rangers and looks to be close to a deal.

There has been no news on the Stephen Weiss negotiations. However, it is believed he is seeking a contract that rivals his teammate Nathan Horton, or the one given to Zach Parise.

McKee to Boston?

There are several rumours that indicate Jay McKee may be headed to Boston. The St. Louis Blues currently have several extra defenseman signed, and it's believed that the Blues could shop McKee to free up cap space for some scoring.

The new Islanders jersey has been revealed today. Could this be a template for other teams around the league? Source

A Finnish TV report has indicated that Teemu Selanne is leaning towards retirement.

Stefan signs in Switzerland

Patrik Stefan has signed with SC Bern in Switzerland. Stefan played for the Dallas Stars last season. It is a one year contract with an out-clause until September 11. Source

The New York Islanders signed forward Josef Vasicek to a one-year $750,000 contract. Source

According to the Vancouver Sun, Trevor Linden and the Vancouver Canucks are having problems agreeing to a contract. It's believed there are differing opinions on Linden's role to the team. Several teams have inquired about him, with Anaheim and Montreal to be the lead teams. However, Linden has expressed that he would like to play with the team he loves and would most likely retire if not offered a contract. Source

John Ferguson Jr. on thin ice?

Mark Bell's jail sentence could be the final death knoll on John Ferguson Jr.'s tenure with the Maple Leafs. Rumours have swirled that if it is revealed that Ferguson knew about Bell's problem before the trade, he will be fired. Also, it's possible that Bell could be suspended by the team or his contract be voided for the year. Source

There has been a lot of talk from Detroit lately. They are actively trying to fill some holes in their top 2 lines, and have inquired about Eric Lindros.

According to Metro News, Rick Tocchet will be banned from the NHL after Friday's sentencing. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have begun preliminary work on a third jersey, due to revealed in 2008-2009.

Staios to be traded?

According to the Metro News, Steve Staios could be traded for an established scorer. It's believed that Edmonton would package Staios and a prospect to get some scoring help. Rumours have swirled that it could be Glen Murray or Miroslav Satan, who is due to become an UFA next offseason. Source

Another Forsberg rumour has popped up in New York. According to Newsday, the Islanders have been pursuing Peter Forsberg. They have also inquired about the services of Josef Vasicek and Jason Allison. It's believed that GM Garth Snow and owner Charles Wang would offer a substantial contract to Forsberg, possibly in the $7-7.5 million range to entice him to the Island. Source

Mike Ricci has officially retired after 16 years in the NHL. Source

Jamie Heward to Russia

Jamie Heward has signed with SKA St. Petersburg in Russia. Heward played for the LA Kings last season. Source

Nils Ekman to Russia

Nils Ekman has signed with Khimik Moscow Oblast in Russia. It is believed to be a one year deal with an out clause. Ekman was rumoured to be signing with Vancouver, Edmonton or Pittsburgh.
Source

Alex Auld may be signing in Europe, possibly in Switzerland.

Poll Results

Poll Results:

Which city deserves an NHL team?

Winnipeg	181 (59%)
Quebec City	36 (11%)
Hamilton	48 (15%)
Las Vegas	16 (5%)
Kansas City	3 (0%)
Hartford	10 (3%)
Other	10 (3%)

Total Votes: 304

Vrbata for Adams - confirmed.

The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired Kevyn Adams from Phoenix for Radim Vrbata. Source
*1:17pm EST update* NHL.com has removed the link...awaiting confirmation. *1:53* Has been confirmed by Blackhawks homepage.

Spezza contract extension?

Several reports in Ottawa have indicated that the Senators have entered into negotiations with Jason Spezza on a contract extension. The deals are rumoured to be in the neighbourhood of 6 or 7 years at around $7.5 million a year. Spezza, who is an RFA next offseason, is also the new cover athlete and official spokesman for the NHL 2K8 video game. Source

Michael Peca is waiting if the New York Rangers will offer him a contract. The Rangers are currently over the cap, and may have to trade some players to fit Peca into the team.

There has been no word on the Stephen Weiss contract negotiations, and several teams including Toronto, Phoenix and Nashville have been watching closely.

Edmonton in Forsberg sweepstakes?

According to Marty York, the Edmonton Oilers are heavily pursuing Peter Forsberg. Edmonton joins the large list of teams vying for his services, which include the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Avalanche and the Vancouver Canucks. Regardless, Forsberg has yet to make a decision if he wants to return to the NHL this year. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed Joel Perrault to a one year contract. Source

The Vancouver Canucks have had talks with the Boston Bruins. The talks seemed to be centred on the glut of centres the Bruins have.

Tverdovsky signs in Russia

Oleg Tverdovsky has signed with Salavat Yulaev Ufa in Russia. According to reports, it is believed to be a 5 year deal. Source

There's a rumour from Calgary that Kristian Huselius has quietly asked for a trade. It is well known that he does not get along with coach Mike Keenan, but it's GM Darryl Sutter's prerogative to honor the request or not.

The Poll Results are:

Dustin Penner (5yr, 21.25m)	64 (20%)
Sheldon Souray (5yr, 27m)	19 (6%)
Scott Gomez (7 yr, 51.5m)	83 (26%)
Todd Bertuzzi (2yr, 8m)	73 (23%)
Ryan Smyth (5yr, 31.2m)	17 (5%)
Thomas Vanek (7yr, 50m)	46 (14%)
Other	9 (2%)

Forsberg open to all teams?

According to the Tennessean, Don Baizley, Peter Forsberg's agent, has indicated that he is open to any team in the NHL, if indeed he returns to the NHL next season. This is in contrast to previous statements where he stated he would only return to Colorado, Philly or Nashville. Could this mean Forsberg would go to Detroit or Vancouver? Source

Steve Montador was awarded $800,000 in arbitration on Monday. GM Jacques Martin has also re-started negotiations with RFA Stephen Weiss on a long term deal. Source

There is a rumour that Nils Ekman may sign in Toronto.

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.