Carter, York to Switzerland?

According to Swiss newspaper "Blick", Anson Carter and Jason York could be headed to Switzerland. Carter, who suffered a concussion in his first pre-season game, has not been offered a contract by the Oilers yet. York, who is at the Senators camp, also has yet to sign with the club. York has previously played for HC Lugano in 2005-2006.

Steve Downie has been handed a 20 game suspension from the NHL. However, it is unlikely that he will make the NHL this season, and it's believed it will carry over to whenever he makes the Flyers squad.

Brent Sopel has left the Red Wings training camp and signed a one year, $1.5 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Also, Mark Smith has signed with the Calgary Flames. Smith was released by the New York Rangers earlier this week. Source

Flashback Friday: With all the recent concussion talks, anyone remember this from 2004?

Redden to Chicago?

According to the Daily Herald, GM Dale Tallon has quietly inquired about Wade Redden. Redden is due to be a UFA after this season, but has a no trade clause. It's believed that Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith would go the other way. Source

TSN is reporting that the Dany Heatley contract negotiations has reached an impasse. Heatley's camp wants $8.5 million a year, while the Senators are countering with $7 million. Heatley has said that if negotiations are not finished before the season starts, he will not have any contract talks during the year.

Karel Pilar has been picked up on waivers by the Chicago Blackhawks. The Atlanta Thrashers put him on waivers earlier this week.

Downie to get more than 10 games?

According to reports from the East coast, Steve Downie may get more than 10 games for his hit on Dean McAmmond. Downie has been suspended indefinitely, pending a review by the league. Colin Campbell has already been angered by the amount of fighting and violent play of the pre-season, and may use Downie as an example to the rest of the league that such actions will not be tolerated.

Dan McGillis has been playing well with the Vancouver Canucks and is very close to signing a contract. The deal is most likely a two-way deal in the $650,000 range. Source

The Anaheim Ducks and Cologne Sharks are officially pairing up. "This partnership can be of great importance to the DEL", says Sharks GM Thomas Eichin. The teams will work together on scouting, coaching, youth development and other hockey matters. It's also rumoured that the Ducks may play an exhibition game in the KölnArena in the 2008-2009 season. Source

Canucks shopping Bourdon?

According to the Vancouver Province, Luc Bourdon's poor play in this preseason has fueled "existing speculation that the Canucks are trying to deal their 2005 first-round draft pick." Several teams including Montreal and Florida are very interested in the young defenseman. Internet rumours seem to circulate around Michael Ryder going the other way. Source

Ronald Petrovicky has signed with HC Dukla Trenčín in Slovakia. Petrovický, 30, played for the Pittsburgh Penguins last year, amassing 3 goals and 3 assists in 31 games. Source

Cloutier waived, Gerber to Kings?

Various sources have confirmed that the LA Kings have waived Dan Cloutier. If no one picks up him up, his $3.1 million dollar contract will come off the cap and Cloutier will most likely spend the season in the minors. There is some serious speculation that Martin Gerber will be heading to LA, and a deal could be finalized this week. LA would probably send draft picks the other way.

There's speculation that Kyle Wellwood will miss some time with a groin tweak. Darren Dreger of TSN is also reporting that Dany Heatley is seeking an $8 million a year contract, for six years. As well, Marian Hossa may wait until the summer and gauge his worth on the open UFA market. Source

NHL to start in Germany for 2008-2009?

According to the official German Elite League (DEL) website, the NHL may start the 2008-2009 season in Germany. Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), who also own the new O2 arena in London, have been in discussions with the NHL to have a few games in Berlin, where their new O2 World Arena is scheduled to open in September 2008. The Kings are rumoured to be involved, as they are owned by Anschutz. "We are on a good way to invite to the large opening show teams from the NHL. The negotiations began already." said AEG managing director Detlef Kornett. The Kings and Ducks are scheduled to start the season in London later this month. Source

Dan McGillis has joined the Vancouver Canucks on a tryout basis. The 35 year old free agent spent last season with Lowell of the American Hockey League. McGillis has also been rumoured to be in discussions with the Berlin Polar Bears of the DEL. Source

According to Swiss newspaper "Blick", Nathan Dempsey may also be signing with the Polar Bears. Dempsey spent the 2004-2005 lockout year with the Bears. Dempsey split time between the Boston and Providence Bruins last year. Earlier this summer, he was rumoured to be signing with SC Bern, but nothing official was confirmed. Source

Poll Results:

What is the most annoying story this offseason?

Scott Niedermayer	65 (46%)
Teemu Selanne	5 (3%)
Peter Forsberg	36 (25%)
New Uniforms	29 (20%)
Other	4 (2%)

Votes so far: 139
Poll closed

Lightning sale hits snag?

The sale of the Tampa Bay Lightning to the "Absolute Hockey" group seems to have hit a snag. The approval of the sale by the Board of Governors has been delayed until November. According to several league sources, the delay is due to a few of the financial backers of the group having pulled out. The group, led by former Blue Jackets GM Doug MacLean, may not have enough investors to buy the Lightning.

The rumours section of Yahoo Sports is speculating that Washington Capitals forward Ben Clymer may be traded. Clymer has two seasons left on his contract, and could go to a team looking for a reliable checking-line wing who isn't afraid to drop the gloves. Source

Injury reports: Jonathan Toews could miss 2-3 weeks with a broken right index finger, Petr Sykora will miss a few preseason games with a broken nose and Anson Carter suffered a concussion in his first preseason game.

Tjarnqvist, Vaananen to Linkoping?

Linköping HC in Sweden have offered Ossi Vaananen a contract. It's believed several Swedish teams are also calling him, but Väänänen still wants to see if he can secure an NHL contract. "I would estimate it to 50 percent chance that he plays in the top [Swedish] division" said Väänänen's agent, Claes Elefalk. Vaananen was rumoured to be signing with HC Davos. Source

Linköping is also interested in Daniel Tjarnqvist. "We have an opening in our budget and our team." said Linkoping GM Johan Hemlin. Tjärnqvist was rumoured to be close to signing with Djurgården. Source

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the NHL will make changes to its schedule for the 2008-2009 season. There will be less divisional games, and each team will play each other at least twice. Also, the meetings that took place on Tuesday indicate that expansion will also be discussed, where representatives from Seattle, Winnipeg, Las Vegas and Kansas City will make their presentations to the league owners.

Josef Melichar signs in the Czech Republic

Josef Melichar has signed with Ceske Budejovice HC in the Czech Republic. Melichar played for the Pittsburgh Penguins last year, scoring 1 goal and 11 assists in 70 games. Asked if he would prefer playing in the NHL, Melichar responded, "I'm almost 29. There aren't going to be too many opportunities for guys like me." Source

The San Jose Sharks have expressed an interest in Montreal Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak. According to RDS, the Sharks are looking for a backup to Evgeni Nabokov, and may send Joe Pavelski the other way to get Halak. Source

With the injury to Sami Salo, the Vancouver Canucks are shopping for defensive depth. Nolan Pratt has had some discussions with the Canucks during the summer, but talks may intensify with Vancouver's mounting injury troubles on the blueline.

Senators updates

Mike Fisher has signed a 5 year, $21 million extension. Fisher, 27, scored 22 goals and 26 assists in 68 games with the Senators last year. Source

According to the Toronto Sun, Curtis Joseph could be signed as the backup to Ray Emery in Ottawa. This would only happen if they can find a buyer for Martin Gerber's hefty contract.

The Ottawa Sun speculates that Jeff O'Neill has had talks with the Senators, and are discussing a contract.

Dany Heatley may wait until the end of the season to negotiate a new contract, or test his worth on the free agent market. Heatley, who has scored 50 goals in each of the last two years, may command a max contract of $9-10 million, depending on the cap.

Sami Salo will be out "week-to-week" with a hairline fracture to his wrist, according to the Team 1040 in Vancouver.

Jamie Langenbrunner may miss a large part of the season due to his groin injury. There is speculation that he could miss several months of action.

Arboga turns down Wickenheiser

IF Arboga has decided to not offer a contract to Hayley Wickenheiser. Wickenheiser scored two goals in two games for Arbgoa, but they have decided that she is not physical enough for the league. "She's a good hockey player," GM Niklas Johansson said. "but it was between her and our [younger] players, and we chose our players. She may be good for one of the League 1 teams that are not as good as us, or a League 2 team." Source

Mathieu Schneider will be out at least 4 weeks with a non-displaced fracture in his left ankle. Schneider suffered the injury in the second period of Saturday's preseason game against the LA Kings. Source

It may be sometime until another Gretzky laces the skates in the NHL. Wayne Gretzky's oldest son, Ty, has left hockey. He had been playing at Shattuck St. Mary's in Minnesota, where Sidney Crosby and Jack Johnson also played. “Ty told me, he gave hockey a good run, but his playing days are over,” Gretzky reported Sunday, prior to a Coyotes-Ducks’ exhibition game. “I said, ‘first of all, it took a lot of guts to go and do what he did. Second of all, when you’re 24 or 25, you can at least say you gave it a shot.’ So good for him.” Ty, 17, would have been draft eligible in 2008. Source

Best name in hockey? It could just be Texas-Kid Egertz, from Sweden.

Ozolinsh invited to Sharks camp

Sandis Ozolinsh has been invited to the San Jose Sharks training camp on a try-out basis. Ozolinsh played for the New York Rangers last season, but only had 3 assists in 21 games. Ozolinsh has been dealing with substance abuse problems, but feels healthy. “I have a lot of good memories here and I’m excited to be here,” said Ozolinsh. "I really hope to make this team." Source

According to TSN, Anson Carter has been invited to the Oilers training camp.

Vancouver Canucks fans got a few injury shocks today. Roberto Luongo got a high slapshot to the collarbone/throat, Sami Salo could have a possible broken wrist and Trevor Linden has a pulled groin.

Balsillie's next target: Atlanta?

According to the Toronto Star, Jim Balsillie's dream of owning an NHL team may still be alive. It's possible that the Atlanta Thrashers may be put up for sale, as there is an ongoing battle between the owners of that team. Arthur Griffiths, whose family owned the Vancouver Canucks from 1988-97, had this to say:

"If someone is going to join the NBA or NHL as a partner and their first foray is to say they don't care about your rules, it doesn't bode well for the long term. The fact is, there are a lot of people who can sign cheques. If Balsillie wants in that club, he really has to go and say, `Look, I went about this the wrong way. I believe in your leadership.' He has to suck up." Source

The Buffalo News is reporting that the Teppo Numminen suspension was purely "business." "There's a clause explicitly in the contract that states the player must pass the physical and be fit to play," GM Darcy Regier said. "It's the collective bargaining agreement and in no way is it personal to Teppo. I had the conversation with Teppo. He understands it's business. It has a lot of implications on the salary side, on the cap side." Numminen is expected to have surgery soon for his heart condition and will be out four to six weeks. Source

Edmonton's favourite official, Mick McGeough, will be retiring after this season. McGeough's on-ice antics have had the fans give him nicknames such as "Mr. Magoo" and "McGoof." Source

Nordiques to return to Quebec City?

According to RDS, the possibility of an NHL team returning to Quebec City has taken one step closer to reality. The "NHL Committee of Quebec" has revealed the plans for a multi-sport complex that would cost around $660 million dollars. The complex would include a 20,000 capacity arena, a 25,000 capacity football/soccer stadium, and a hotel/casino. The site is currently planned to be built in the Quebec City suburb of St-Augustine-de-Desmaures. Mark Charest, president of the committee, had this to add:

"I promise today, to have an NHL team in Quebec City one day. It is thus necessary to find a tactic to find the financing. That will not be done with the government, but with the private company. The majority of these projects in the world are mainly financed by the private one." Source

William Houston of the Globe and Mail speculates that Hockey Canada wants to have another Super Series next year, but with Canada playing the US. Ratings for the series have been positive, and they are hoping they will have a 6 game series between the Canadians and Americans. Possible cities that could host the games would be Detroit, Grand Forks, St. Paul, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Saskatoon. Source

Houston also mentions that Tie Domi will not be returning to TSN on a full-time basis.

More camp invitees: Kris Vernarsky, Mark Hartigan - Red Wings, Mark Smith - Rangers, Bryan Muir - Maple Leafs.

Gilmour to try coaching

According to Sportsnet, Doug Gilmour will move into a coaching position with the Maple Leafs organization. What exactly his position will be is unclear, but he will help coach the AHL affiliate Marlies, as well as help Team Canada in the Spengler Cup. Somewhere in Canada, Don Cherry is smiling. Source

The Florida Panthers have signed Noah Welch to a two year contract. Terms were not disclosed. Welch played in 24 games in 2006-2007, splitting between Pittsburgh and Florida. Welch was acquired from the Penguins in the Gary Roberts deal. Source

Patrick Stefan will remain at Bern. His out clause expired September 11, and there was speculation that he was negotiating with Phoenix. Source

More camp invitees: Adam Hall - Penguins, Mike Morrison and Maxime Ouellet - Islanders.

Metropolit invited to Bruins camp

Glen Metropolit has been invited to attend the Boston Bruins trading camp. Metropolit has been in discussions with the Bruins for a few weeks, according to the Swiss newspaper "Blick". If he doesn't get a contract with Boston, Nationalliga A teams SC Bern, HC Lugano and ZSC Lions have shown interest. Source

Other notable camp invitees are: Brent Sopel, Jassen Cullimore and Aaron Downey - Red Wings, Jim Dowd and Rory Fitzpatrick- Flyers, and David Tanabe - Hurricanes.

Janis Sprukts has signed in Finland with Rauman Lukko of the SM-liiga. Sprukts had just signed with Riga 2000, but this new contract only lasts for 4 months, and he may return to Latvia afterwards. Source

Mike Dunham has become the new goaltending coach for the New York Islanders. One thing about Islanders goalies is that they have good job security. Former backup Garth Snow becomes the GM, and Rick DiPietro got a 15-year contract. Could Wade Dubielewicz be the next Islanders coach? ;-)

Niedermayer suspended

Scott Niedermayer has been officially suspended by the Anaheim Ducks. It is strictly a formality to give the Ducks' cap space. Niedermayer still has not made a decision on his future.

Aaron Miller will undergo minor abdominal surgery and may miss some of the Vancouver Canucks preseason. GM Dave Nonis has noted that a team ususally needs "7,8 or 9" defenseman a season. He is hoping youngsters like Luc Bourdon and Alex Edler can step up, while looking for free agent depth.

The Boston Bruins have acquired center/right wing Petteri Nokelainen from the New York Islanders in exchange for center prospect Ben Walter and a conditional second-round draft choice in 2009. Source

NHL player agent Brian Lawton has resigned from his agency Octagon and is pursuing a job in NHL management. He wants to be involved in the day-to-day operations of an NHL team. Source

Poll Results:

What is your level of interest in the Canada-Russia Super Series?

Very interested	28 (20%)
Somewhat interested	60 (44%)
Not interested	24 (17%)
What Series?	24 (17%)

Total Votes: 136

Flames interested in Forsberg?

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, five of six Canadian teams have inquired about Peter Forsberg's status. The Calgary Flames interest has been persistent with the thinking Forsberg and Iginla would make a nice 1-2 punch. He also mentioned that the teams most likely to land Forsberg are, in order: Philadelphia, Colorado, Detroit and Anaheim. The more intriguing question is, which team isn't interested in Forsberg? Source

Scotty Bowman has once again been forced to deny the rumours surrounding him and the Maple Leafs. Bowman is happy with Detroit and not interested in a consulting job, however, he had this to say: I like my relationship with the Wings organization, and quite honestly, if something big came along maybe I would consider it, but not to be a mentor or something like that," Bowman said. "I don't know those people in Toronto. " Source

Wade Redden is looking forward to the upcoming season, as well as meeting GM Bryan Murray to talk about his situation with the team. Redden was the subject of trade rumours around the NHL draft, with Redden turning down a trade to a Western team. "I don't have any plans to go anywhere," he told TSN. "Who knows what will happen in four months. There is lots that can happen between now and then." Redden recently got engaged and is building a house in BC. Could this little blurb get the Canucks rumour mill started? Source

Patrik Stefan to Phoenix?

According to Swiss sources, Patrik Stefan may be headed back to the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes. Stefan signed with SC Bern in late August, but had an escape clause if he signed with an NHL team. The report indicates that the clause expires tomorrow, and if Stefan has not signed he will report to Bern on Thursday. Stefan has been in negotiations with the Coyotes and the deal seems to be hinged on financial terms. Bern Sportchief Sven Leuenberger believes that there is a "50/50" chance he will play with Bern. Source

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun has reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Scotty Bowman are still negotiating. It was rumoured earlier this summer that the Leafs were pursuing Bowman for a senior position in the organization. Despite the public rejections, Simmons claims that they have met again in late August and early September to discuss the matter. Source

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that GM Dale Tallon has denied any internet or rumoured dealings that have swirled around his team. In response to questions asked about Pavel Kubina, Danny Markov and Tony Amonte, Tallon answered, "Nope." Source

New rule changes for 2007-2008

According to the Globe and Mail, these are the four rule changes in the NHL this season:

Rule 24 - Gross Misconduct. The term "gross misconduct" was eliminated from the rulebook. Any act that would have been assessed a gross misconduct penalty will receive a game misconduct penalty. Accumulated game misconduct penalties can lead to fines or suspension.

Rule 25 - Penalty Shot. A player may be awarded a penalty shot if he is fouled on a clear breakaway outside his defensive zone (i.e., anywhere in the neutral zone or in the attacking zone). Previously, a penalty shot was awarded only when the player on a clear breakaway was fouled on the attacking side of the centre line.

Rule 56 - Interference. Referees were given discretion to assess a major penalty and a game misconduct when an injury results from an act of interference. Previously, only a minor penalty could be assessed for interference.

Rule 76 - Faceoffs. All faceoffs must be conducted at one of the nine faceoff dots painted on the rink. Previously, there had been instances, such as when a puck left the playing surface, which caused the faceoff to occur on unmarked ice, parallel to the dot nearest the place where the puck departed.

Janis Sprukts has signed with Latvian club Riga 2000. The Florida Panthers offered a two-way contract to the restricted free agent, but he wanted a one way because he did not want to jump between the AHL and NHL during the season. He received an offer from Metallurg Magnitogorsk, but wanted to play closer to home. He remains as Panthers property. Source

There's a rumour that Tony Amonte has been invited to the Oilers training camp, but Amonte is still hoping he can get a contract offer from a team.

Niinimaa signs with Davos - official

Janne Niinimaa has signed with HC Davos in Switzerland. Niinimaa played for the Montreal Canadiens last season, amassing 3 assists in 41 games. Source

According to Bruce MacLeod of the Macomb Daily, Brent Sopel will attend the Wing's training camp as a tryout. Sopel split last year with Vancouver and LA, scoring 5 goals and 23 assists in 64 games.

Ottawa looking for forward, defenseman?

According to the Ottawa Citizen, GM Bryan Murray is shopping for a veteran forward and a defenseman to fill out his team. He's hoping some of the young players will fill these roles, but he's prepared to trade for help if they don't step up. Murray also re-iterated his interest in Peter Forsberg, but he's in a bind with Martin Gerber's $3.7 million contract. Murray has stopped looking to trade Gerber, as there is no interest at the moment. Source

According to Swiss sources, Janne Niinimaa may sign with HC Davos. However, there is no official confirmation at this time.

The Hockey News is reporting that Brad Stuart was about to be sent to Dallas for a 1st rounder and prospects at the trade deadline, but the deal fell through. The deal would have been contingent on Stuart signing a 4 year extension worth $19.2 million. Stuart signed a one year, $3.5 million deal with LA this offseason.

Niedermayer decision today?

According to TSN, Scott Niedermayer will announce a decision on his future at a press conference Thursday at 1:30 pm EST. Niedermayer has announced that he will not be attending training camp, but hasn't decided if he wants to retire or return to the Ducks. If Niedermayer decides to return sometime during the season, he will have to be suspended by the Ducks and his salary would be taken off the Ducks' cap number. However, there is this to think about. "The Ducks can't have an 'agreement' with Niedermayer as to when he will return — that would be a circumvention (of the salary cap)," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in an e-mail.

Also, the Hockey News quotes a source that Teemu Selanne is comfortable with the idea of being retired. However, in an interview with the television station The Score, GM Brian Burke indicated that Selanne has not said anything to indicate he was going to retire. Source

Tommi Santala has signed with Jokerit. Santala played for the Vancouver Canucks last year, scoring 1 goal and 5 assists in 30 games. Source

An update on Jamie McLennan. It appears he has has left Metallurg Magnitogorsk for family reasons.

Tjarnqvist to Djurgarden?

The Daniel Tjarnqvist saga never seems to end. Earlier in the summer, he was rumoured to be signing with Ak Bars Kazan in the Russian Super League. This was promptly denied by Tjarnqvist, who was still waiting an NHL offer. Now it appears Djurgården of the Swedish Elite league has offered him a contract. According to Sportal.nu, Djurgarden has been in contact with him and has an offer on the table, if he wants it. Tjärnqvist played for Djurgården from 1997-2001, as well as the lockout year in 2004-2005. Source

A late report from Sweden has Jeff Friesen headed to Leksands IF to join Ed Belfour, but this has been flatly denied by Leksands sportchief Mikael Lundström.

Pat Leahy has signed with EHC Black Wings Linz in Austria. Leahy was a UFA of the Nashville Predators, and appeared in one game in 2006-2007.

There's a rumour that Jamie McLennan has left Metallurg Magnitogorsk. It's unknown if an NHL team has offered him a contract.

Hayley Wickenheiser signs in Sweden

Hayley Wickenheiser has officially signed with IFK Arboga IK in Sweden. Arboga play in the third highest league in Sweden, Division 1. Arboga's general manager, Niklas Johansson had this to say in an interview with Aftonbladet: "I believe that she can to assert herself and to do really good for herself. We believe in Hayley. We [the players and I] chatted today and they are positive about the decision." Wickenheiser has verbally agreed to the club and just needs to sign on paper. Johansson is a bit of a maverick in Swedish hockey circles; last year he signed 14-year goaltender Johan Gustavsson to the senior team. Source

According to TSN, Mark Bell has been suspended indefinitely by the league. He has been placed in stage two of the NHL's substance abuse program. The question is, what will GM John Ferguson do? Will he panic and try to grab a free agent, like Anson Carter or Mike Johnson? Source

A Swedish newspaper has speculated that Tommi Santala may sign with Djurgården in Sweden. Santala played for the Canucks last year, scoring 1 goal and 5 assists in 30 games.

John Tavares in 2008 draft?

According to TSN, John Tavares hopes that the NHL and the NHLPA will let him enter the 2008 Entry Draft. Tavares's agent, Bryan Deasley, says he has spoken with NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and Players' Association associate counsels Ian Penny and Stu Grimson about the possible creation of an exceptional player clause that would allow certain players to be drafted a year early, a clause similiar to the one that allowed Tavares to play as a 15 year old in the CHL. ''That's why we would look at other options, being Europe, if we feel that and we see that his development is not progressing to the point where it should be.'' Deasley added. Source

Teemu Selanne has returned to California from Finland and should be making his decision this week. The Anaheim Ducks training camp starts one week earlier than most clubs because of their game in London.

Langfeld signs in Nashville

Unrestricted free agent Josh Langfeld has signed with the Nashville Predators. It is a one year, $500,000 deal. Langfeld played 33 games for the Detroit Red Wings last year, amassing 2 assists.Source

Poll Results:

Which is the ugliest NHL jersey ever?

Canucks - "Flying V"	68 (37%)
Islanders - "Fishsticks"	61 (33%)
Kings - "Burger King"	22 (12%)
Coyotes - "Cubist"	24 (13%)
Other (write in comments)	6 (3%)

Wickenheiser: "This is a great challenge"

According to Aftonbladet, Hayley Wickenheiser has set her sights on the highest men's league in Sweden. "All the best female hockey players are in Sweden," Wickenheiser said. "Playing in the Allsvenskan would be a great challenge few can accomplish." She has had offers to play in Finland, but she wants to test herself in the Swedish leagues. AIK, Almtuna and Sundsvall has already said "no thanks" to Wickenheiser's services, but IF Björklöven has not made a decision. Many teams in the second-tier Allsvenskan are worried she cannot cope with the physical hockey in the Swedish league. Source

Markov update

According to "Sportsnet Rumours" on Sportsnet, Danny Markov is close to making a decision on his future. He has been offered a two-year contract by Pittsburgh, as well as a one year deal from a team in the Russian Super League. It's believed he will be deciding by mid next week. Sportsnet also claimed that the rumour of Markov signing with the Maple Leafs was "false".

Taratukhin signs in Russia?

According to hcsalavat.ru, Calgary Flames prospect Andrei Taratukhin has signed with Salavat Yulayev in the Russian Super League. A rough translation saids "Andrey Taratukhin became the player of salavata of yulayeva." It's rumoured to be a 3 year deal. The deal seems strange, as recently Taratukhin spoke that he was looking forward to trying out in Calgary and seemed determined to play in the NHL. Source

Goodenow to return?

According to the Globe and Mail, Chris Chelios would welcome back Bob Goodenow to the NHLPA. Goodenow resigned in the summer of 2005 after 13 years at the helm of the NHLPA, and was replaced with Ted Saskin. "I mean, if Bob put his résumé in, I'd certainly consider it. That was a tough thing he went through," Chelios said. "We have a list of 13, 14 people we're seriously considering...the two people I met with were very impressive. If we picked either one, we couldn't make a bad decision." Source

A Minnesota source has confirmed that A.J. Thelen will be offered a tryout with the Wild at their prospects tournament in Michigan. The former first rounder of the Wild became a free agent on July 1. It was rumoured earlier this summer that the Canucks were interested in signing him, but GM Dave Nonis felt he needed a more experienced defenseman.