NHL and hockey rumors for Nov 1, 2008

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Michael Ryan to a one-year contract. He was actually signed to KHL team Dinamo Minsk, but he never made the team.

According to Sport-Express Daily, an English-language paper in Russia, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are the two teams most interested in Atlanta Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk. Both GMs Cliff Fletcher and Bob Gainey approached Atlanta GM Don Waddell at the general managers meetings in Chicago. Brochu's take: The Canadiens do want to make a splash this season, but unless they have $7 million in imaginary cap space, they are not getting Kovalchuk. And the Leafs don't have anyone in their team or farm system that would interest the Thrashers. Source

The St. Louis Post Dispatch is reporting that the Blues have contacted Brendan Shanahan's agent about his client's interest in signing with the team. The Blues have not made a formal contract offer. Source

The Montreal Canadiens have suspended defenseman Pavel Valentenko without pay on Friday after the prospect left the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League to sign a three-year contract with Dynamo Moscow. The matter has been referred to the IIHF.

The Team 1040 radio in Vancouver reported that Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough was in attendance at Friday's game between the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks. Brochu's take: You have to wonder why he was there, as the Wild don't play the Canucks or Ducks until December. Maybe they were there to talk about a trade...perhaps Marian Gaborik? Just wondering...

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 31, 2008

The Ottawa Senators have re-signed forward Daniel Alfredsson to a four-year, $21.6 million contract extension. Brochu's take: A definite home town discount, considering Alfie's numbers. Will this set the bar for future contracts? I don't think so.

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded defenseman Tim Ramholt to the Nashville Predators for forward Josh Gratton. Brochu's take: Could this open up a roster spot for a new defenseman? Seems strange that the Flyers are trading a defensman when they need all they can get.

The Predators also acquired forward Hugh Jessiman from the New York Rangers for future considerations.

The St. Louis Blues have signed goaltender Chris Holt to a contract.

Marty York of Metro News believes that Mats Sundin will sign a "megabucks" deal with the Ottawa Senators and Brendan Shanahan will sign with the New Jersey Devils within the week. Brochu's take: The Senators have cap issues still, so that's not going to happen. Rumors of Shanny heading back to his old team(s) have been heating up. Source

Mats Sundin was spotted watching the Vancouver Canucks - Los Angeles Kings game on Thursday night. Sundin has been in LA for the past week getting back in shape.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

The Moscow Dynamo website reports that Montreal Canadiens defenseman Pavel Valentenko has signed a three-year deal with the KHL club. The Habs had allowed Valentenko to fly to Russia for family reasons, but was completely unaware of the signing. Brochu's take: So much for the ceasefire between the NHL and KHL. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 30, 2008

On XM's NHL Live, ex-Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster reported a rumour that the Pittsburgh Penguins and Atlanta Thrashers have entered "major" trade discussions. Brochu's take: No names yet, but stay tuned.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Alex Grant to an entry-level contract.

According to Al Strachan on The Score, there's talk that Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke may end up with the New York Rangers or Boston Bruins, instead of the Toronto Maple Leafs job. Strachan also speculated that current Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher will stay longer than expected and become the permanent general manager.

Free agent forward Brendan Shanahan has told his agent Rick Curran that he will no longer wait for the New York Rangers to offer a contract, and will put himself on the open market. Brochu's take: There's been some speculation that the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are interested in the veteran winger. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

According to Swiss sources, free agent forward Martin Gelinas is in contract negotiations with Nationalliga A teams SC Bern and EHC Biel. Gelinas has been hoping to sign with an NHL team. Source

The New Jersey Devils have signed forward Alexander Vasyunov to an entry-level contract. Vasyunov has already played two games with KHL team Yaroslavl Lokomotiv. Brochu's take: Vasyunov has been assigned to Lowell in the AHL. I assume he must have had an out-clause.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 29, 2008

Marty York of Metro News is reporting rumors that the Edmonton Oilers are trying to trade a goaltender for a "hard-nosed forward. or two." York quotes two NHL sources that the Oilers are dangling one of their three goalies as trade bait. The Oilers currently have Dwayne Roloson, Mathieu Garon and Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers on their roster. Brochu's take: I doubt that the Oilers are shopping Garon or Drouin-Deslauriers, but they have been shopping Roloson for a long time. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have claimed defenseman Ken Klee off re-entry waivers from the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks will pick up half of Klee's salary.

The Florida Panthers have signed free agent defenseman Jassen Cullimore to a one-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Defenseman Konstantin Pushkarev has signed with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Russian KHL. The Dallas Stars released Pushkarev earlier this month.

Russian sources are reporting that the Colorado Avalanche may be interested in signing goaltender Ray Emery once the KHL season is over. Brochu's take: There may be better goalies available next summer.

Poll Results:

Should the NHL expand to Europe?

Yes	14 (10%)
No	114 (82%)
Who cares?	10 (7%)

Total votes: 138

Thanks to everyone who voted in the polls!!

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 28, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have placed defenseman Ken Klee on re-entry waivers.

The Atlanta Thrashers have placed forward Mike Hoffman on waivers.

According to Tim Sassone's "Between the Circles" blog on the Chicago Daily Herald website, the Chicago Blackhawks are one of the teams interested in Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza., who is rumored to be on the block. Brochu's take: I thought the Spezza rumors died down once he signed that huge extension. Again, the small issue of the salary cap stands in the way of this rumour. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 27, 2008

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Darryl Sydor has asked for a trade. Sydor knows that he won't get much playing time once Ryan Whitney returns in December from injury. Brochu's take: GM Ray Shero will most likely hold on to him until the trade deadline, where he could get maximum return for the veteran defender. Source

The Florida Panthers may be close to signing defenseman Jassen Cullimore, as the Cats are decimated by injuries on the blueline. Source

Here's the latest from Bruce Garrioch and the Ottawa Sun:

The Chicago Blackhawks may be willing to move forward Martin Havlat.

Garrioch reports that "don't be surprised" if the Toronto Maple Leafs try to move Alex Steen, Matt Stajan and defenseman Tomas Kaberle before the end of the season. Brochu's take: Kaberle has a no trade clause and has refused to waive it once already. As for Steen, that's the first time I've heard his name in the rumor mill.

There are "whispers" that the Atlanta Thrashers are willing to move forward Ilya Kovalchuk. Brochu's take: Garrioch loves his "whispers"...they are in every one of his columns. It's possible, but I don't think the Thrashers are going to trade their one superstar.

The Philadelphia Flyers are quietly shopping for a goaltender, and could be interested in the Thrasher's Ondrej Pavelec and Montreal Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak. Brochu's take: Neither are established NHL goalies yet, so why would GM Paul Holmgren want them?

Weekend rumor roundup Oct 25-26, 2008

Here are some of the latest NHL and hockey rumors from CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, "The Hotstove":

Al Strachan reported that the Tampa Bay Lightning are in such a sad state that during their European games, co-owner Len Barrie came into the dressing room and started drawing plays and schemes on the board. Strachan also speculated that coach Barry Melrose has until November 15th to turn things around. Brochu's take: This is according to a player that spoke directly to Strachan.

Analyst Pierre LeBrun also reported that the Chicago Blackhawks have inquired about free agent forward Mats Sundin, and Strachan believes the Vancouver Canucks are still the frontrunners to land him.

Strachan also reported that the Montreal Canadiens turned down the Minnesota Wild's offer of trading Marian Gaborik, but still believed that they could be involved in a 3-way trade. LeBrun also reported that the Los Angeles Kings are interested in Gaborik, but only if he agrees to sign a long-term contract with them.

LeBrun also mentioned that contract negotiations between the Senators and forward Daniel Alfredsson are not going smoothly as previously thought.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the price of Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin has gone up, but the Ottawa Senators are still somewhat interested. Garrioch also reports of "talk" that the Canucks are shopping Mattias Ohlund. Brochu's take: There's still the little matter of fitting Khabibulin's big contract under the Sens salary cap. As for Ohlund, Garrioch must have fascination a with him, as he has been the only media person reporting the "rumor". Source

According to RDS, the Habs are no longer interested in Marian Gaborik and could be focusing their attention on Hawks forward Martin Havlat, who is due to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Brochu's take: Havlat has the same injury concerns as Gaborik, but won't command the same price. Source

Bob McKenzie of TSN mentioned in an interview on TEAM 1040 radio in Vancouver that the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers are the only real teams in the Mats Sundin sweepstakes. Brochu's take: Wake me up when Sundin actually signs.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 24, 2008

According to Philadelphia sources, the Flyers are shopping forward Andreas Nodl. The Flyers have been looking for a defenseman, and there are rumors that there were scouts looking at Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Cam Barker, who is currently playing in the AHL. The Colorado Avalance and Montreal Canadiens have also sent scouts to look at Barker. Brochu's take: You have to wonder why Barker is still in the AHL. As for Nodl, he may have a better future on another team, as the Flyers are pretty full in the top 6.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed free agent defenseman Bret Hedican to a one-year, $870,000 contract.

The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman John Erskine to a two-year, $2.5 million contract extension.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have officially signed defenseman Marek Malik to a one-year contract. He has been practicing with the team since Oct 15.

Mats Sundin watch, Oct 23, 2008

A late report from TSN last night has indicated that Mats Sundin took a physical in Toronto today, and will head to Los Angeles this week. It's believed that he wil begin working out and skating for 2 weeks, and will begin discussing options with NHL teams soon. The earliest return for Sundin would be in mid-December. Up to 10 teams, including the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens remain interested in signing the Swedish star. Brochu's take: For Sundin's schedule, including what he had for lunch, check your local mainstream media like TSN and Sportsnet. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 23, 2008

The New York Islanders have signed free agent forward Mark Parrish to a 25 game AHL contract. He will be given a chance to earn an NHL contract.

The St. Louis Blues have placed defenseman Jeff Woywitka on waivers.

The Blues have also signed goaltender Jake Allen to a contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

New Jersey Devils forward Fedor Fedorov has signed with KHL team Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk in Tartarstan. He had been given permission by the Devils to seek a contract elsewhere. Brochu's take: I don't think we'll see Sergei's "little" brother in the NHL again. He'll always have his rap career to fall back on. Source

Six major European domestic leagues announced on Wedensday that they have organized a group to protect their leagues against player raids and expansion by the NHL and KHL. Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany and Switzerland have banded to form "Hockey Europe", and the NHL has recognized the group as a partner. Read on here.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 22, 2008

TSN is reporting that the Minnesota Wild have already offered forward Marian Gaborik to another team, but the unspecified NHL executive was not interested. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings are the frontrunners to land the Slovakian star. Brochu's take: It took the mainstream media quite some time to "officially" report this rumor. I see a Marian Hossa situation, where teams will outbid each other until someone comes up with a ridiculous offer like the Penguins did. (Incidentally, it's another high-scoring Slovakian forward that's on the market this year.) Keep checking Brochu is Hockey for the latest on Gaborik. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have claimed forward Matt Pettinger off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks.

The St. Louis Blues have claimed forward David Koci off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The 'Bolts have also put forward Jason Ward on waivers.

The Anaheim Ducks have put defenseman Ken Klee on waivers.

The New York Rangers have placed forward Patrick Rissmiller on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Minnesota Wild forward Petr Kalus has left the organization and will play in Europe. He still has two years left on his contract, and it's still possible, though unlikely, he may come back to North America. Rumor is that he will play with HC Vitkovice. Source

The Washington Capitals have re-assigned goaltender Michal Neuvirth to HC Ocelari Trinec of the Czech Extraliga. Source

NHL signings and waiver transactions for Oct 21, 2008

The San Jose Sharks have placed forward Lukas Kaspar on waivers.

The Detroit Red Wings have placed forward Darren McCarty on waivers.

The Vancouver Canucks have placed forwards Kyle Wellwood and Matt Pettinger on re-entry waivers. The Canucks are currently decimated by injuries.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jamie Heward has cleared waivers and will be assigned to the AHL.

According to the Orange County Register, Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke expects a contract decision by no later than Christmas. Burke is currently on his last year of his contract. Burke will be in Toronto this week, and will be shown the premises by Toronto Maple Leafs president Richard Peddie. Brochu's take: Will hockey's longest rumor finally come true? Keep in mind that the Leafs took the "interim" off the interim GM title that Cliff Fletcher holds.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 20, 2008

Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has confirmed that Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough is definitely shopping forward Marian Gaborik. Russo believes all the rumors surrounding Gaborik being sent to the Montreal Canadiens have merit, and that the Wild are interested in forward Chris Higgins and defensman Ryan McDonagh. Brochu's take: This particular Gaborik rumor has been on the internet for quite some time. Perhaps there's more to this than first realized? Source

The Buffalo News is reporting rumours of "whispers" that the Colorado Avalance are interested in Maxim Afinogenov and they could send forward Marek Svatos to the Sabres. Brochu's take: This could be a good trade, as both seem to need new places to revitalize their careers. Source

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that Habs forward Kyle Chipchura could be on his way out of Montreal in the near future.

The Journal is also reporting that free agent forward Martin Gelinas may be finished with his NHL career, as no teams have called his agent. Playing in Europe remains a last-resort possibility.

Jim Matheson also believes that the New York Rangers might be moving forward Petr Prucha or Dan Fritsche. Brochu's take: I don't think the Rangers will be making moves while their team is doing so well this season. Source

The Rangers also agreed to terms with forward Devin DiDiomete.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 19, 2008

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, the "Hotstove" panel mentioned that Philadelphia Flyers coach John Stevens could be the next head coach to be fired, if the Flyers don't pull out of their recent slump.

It was also mentioned that Chicago Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon could be in danger, but there is no chance that senior adviser Scotty Bowman will take over. It's been rumored that Tallon was forced to fire coach Denis Savard by Bowman and president John McDonaugh.

Sportsnet's Mike Brophy is quoting "sources" that goaltender Dwayne Roloson has asked to be traded. There are rumours that the Nashville Predators may be interested in the veteran goalie. Brochu's take: It's no secret the Oilers are shopping Roloson, but there haven't been any takers. The Preds are looking for an experienced backup, so "Roli" may be a good fit.

The following rumors are from the irrepressible Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Boston Bruins forward Peter Schaefer turned down a $2.1 million contract to play in the KHL. The Bruins are still looking to deal the forward for a defenseman. Brochu's take: Not many teams are going to take that much salary back, especially for a third liner.

The Vancouver Canucks are looking to deal Matt Pettinger, and the Atlanta Thrashers, Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes may have interest.

The Hawks have held talks with the San Jose Sharks about defenseman Kyle McLaren. Brochu's take: There are still major cap issues to be settled IF this comes to pass.

"A couple of teams" have called agent J.P. Barry about goaltender Ray Emery, who cannot leave his $2 million contract until after the season ends. It's believed the Los Angeles Kings are looking for goaltending help. Brochu's take: I guess Garrioch believes the "if you repeat it enough times, it will come true" mantra, as he's been beating to death this Emery-to-Kings "rumor".

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 18, 2008

The Boston Bruins have signed forward Jordan Knackstedt to a contract. Terms were not disclosed.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed defenseman Matt Greene to a 5-year, $14.75 million contract extension that will begin next year. The Kings have also signed defenseman Andrew Campbell to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Vancouver Canucks have placed forward Kyle Wellwood on waivers.

The Colorado Avalanche have placed forward Scott Parker on waivers.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman David Tanabe has retired from hockey. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said today that the team had reached a settlement with the defenseman that will pay the former first-round draft pick $850,000 over the next three years. Source

According to Bob McKenzie on the Team 1040 radio, there are rumors that Tampa Bay Lightning ownership are not happy with the way coach Barry Melrose has been playing with Steven Stamkos playing time. There's also speculation that Melrose uses outdated tactics in practise and many of the players are "bored" with the same drills. Brochu's take: Make no mistake, owners Koules and Barrie are not patient people, and if Melrose doesn't get this team going, he's good as gone.

Rumors are still floating around that the Colorado Avalanche have some interest in Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 17, 2008

The Chicago Blackhawks have fired head coach Denis Savard, and have replaced him with Joel Quenneville. Quenneville was hired earlier as a scout. Brochu's take: Firing a coach 4 games into the season is a surprise, but the firing of Savard is not. He was on a short leash with the new management, and Quenneville was always there to replace him.

The Chicago Daily Herald is reporting that the Hawks are interested in San Jose Sharks defenseman Kyle McLaren, but do not have the salary cap space to fit him in. McLaren is currently playing for San Jose's AHL affiliate. Source

According to Darren Dreger on the program "Leafs Lunch" on AM640, four NHL teams are interested in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matt Stajan. The Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders and Washington Capitals are rumored to be interested in the young centre.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 16, 2008

According to Al Strachan of The Score, the Montreal Canadiens will shop goaltender Jaroslav Halak at the trade deadline. Brochu's take: If the Habs are in the playoff race by then, Halak could be an asset at the deadline.

The Toronto Sun is reporting that Mats Sundin's agent believes the Swedish forward will play in the NHL this season. Source Brochu's take: *Yawn*

Alexander Radulov left the door open for a possible return to the NHL and the Nashville Predators. Radulov also said recent comments attributed to him in a letter to KHL president Alexander Medvedev, which Radulov said he was not interested in arbitration and wanted to promote hockey in Russia, were incorrect. Brochu's take: Maybe Radulov should go on 20/20 and tell Barbara Walters the"real" story... Source

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher has denied a report that he is shopping defenseman Ian White to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for their first round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. However, there are still rumors that he is looking to unload forward Matt Stajan. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 15, 2008

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed free agent defenseman Marek Malik to a one-year, $1.2 million contract.

The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with defenseman Tysen Dowzak.

According to Marty York of Metro News, Calgary Flames coach Mike Keenan is on the hot seat should the Flames falter early.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 14, 2008

The San Jose Sharks have placed defenseman Kyle McLaren on waivers. Brochu's take: He has NOT been placed on re-entry waivers, just regular waivers.

New York Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov has died during a game in the KHL. Brochu's take: My thoughts and prayers are with Cherepanov's family and friends. RIP.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Forward Kris Beech has signed with Swedish club HV71. Beech had refused an assignment to the AHL by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Forward Brad Isbister has signed with Swiss club EV Zug. Isbister also refused an assignment to the AHL by the Ottawa Senators.

The Los Angeles Kings have re-assigned forward Brady Murray to HC Lugano of the Nationalliga A in Switzerland.

Defenseman Nolan Pratt has signed with KHL team Amur Tigers Khabarovsk in Russia.

There are rumors that Russian team Ak Bars Kazan has approached forward Peter Forsberg's agents about playing with the KHL club. Source

Boston/Philly trade, Kings get Quincey

The Boston Bruins have traded defenseman Andrew Alberts to the Philadelphia Flyers for forward Ned Lukacevic and a 4th round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: The Flyers were desperately looking for a depth defenseman, and Alberts should fill that role.

The Los Angeles Kings have claimed defenseman Kyle Quincey off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings. Brochu's take: This should help the void of losing Jack Johnson for 3 months.

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, "The Hotstove" segment suggests that the Minnesota Wild will trade Marian Gaborik at some point this year, and the Pittsburgh Penguins could be the most likely destination. There are rumours that Jordan Staal could be going the other way.

Look for a big version of Brochu's European rumor roundup to be posted tonight!

Poll Results:

Who will win the Art Ross Trophy (most points) this year?

Sidney Crosby	37 (26%)
Alexander Ovechkin	67 (48%)
Vincent Lecavalier	7 (5%)
Evgeni Malkin	8 (5%)
Joe Thornton	4 (2%)
Other	16 (11%)

Total votes: 139

Will you be playing fantasy hockey (pool) this year?

Yes	52 (71%)
No	21 (28%)

Total votes: 73

Weekend rumor roundup Oct 11-12, 2008

The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed forward Anze Kopitar to a seven-year, $47.6 million contract extension set to start in 2009-2010. Brochu's take: A good deal for LA, but what has happened to the second contract? It seems that young impact players move from their entry-level contracts straight into lucrative contracts that, in the past, would be reserved for their third contract.

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed defenseman Alex Edler to a four-year, $13 million contract extension. Brochu's take: Another good signing, on par with similiar players that have signed recently.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Joey Haddad to a three-year contract.

The Detroit Red Wings have placed defenseman Kyle Quincey on waivers.

The following rumors are from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, so take it with a grain(bag) of salt.

The Canucks are looking to move defenseman Kevin Bieksa. Brochu's take: The 'Nucks just traded a d-man, so I don't think they're looking to trade him at this moment.

The Carolina Hurricanes may be interested in Boston Bruins forward Peter Schaefer, whose $2.1 million contract is currently off the salary cap. The Canes are looking to dangle defensemen Frantisek Kaberle and Joe Corvo.

The Florida Panthers are looking to move forward Radek Dvorak.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are interested in signing free agent defenseman Marek Malik.

The Edmonton Oilers may be "willing to deal" defenseman Ladislav Smid. Brochu's take: The least that Garrioch could do was at least spell "Smead" right.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 10, 2008

The Phoenix Coyotes have traded forward Mike Zigomanis to the Pittsburgh Penguins for future considerations.

Marian Gaborik has rejected a 10-year, $80 million contract offer from the Minnesota Wild. Brochu's take: It looks like Gaborik really wants to test the open market, or wants to play somewhere with a more offensive system. Expect the trade rumors to ramp up in the following weeks. Source

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Tyson Strachan to a contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking for a veteran defenseman and are rumored to be looking at Nolan Pratt.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forward Matt Murley has left the Carolina Hurricanes organization and has signed to play with KHL team Amur Tigers Khabarovsk. Murley is in breach of his NHL contract and the matter may be referred to the NHL. Source

Ottawa Senators forward Brad Isbister is rumoured to be close to signing with German club Adler Mannheim.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 9, 2008

According to Marty York of Metro News, the Minnesota Wild have reached an "impasse" in contract negotiations with forward Marian Gaborik, and are entertaining offers for the Slovakian star. The Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings are reportedly interested. Brochu's take: Gaborik won't be traded yet, and only if the Wild are out of the running for the playoffs by trade deadline day. Source

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Lawrence Nycholat is rumoured to be headed to the Pittsburgh Penguins or St. Louis Blues once he comes off the injured reserve. Source

Rumors are swirling that the Rangers are close to re-signing forward Brendan Shanahan to a contract. However, the Rangers still have to cut some salary from their cap to fit him in.

The Penguins have placed forward Jeff Taffe on waivers. Forward Kris Beech has been placed on unconditional waivers and is trying to find a job in Europe. Rumors are that he may be close to a deal with Swedish team HV71.

NHL signings and waiver transactions for Oct 8, 2008

The Chicago Blackhawks have claimed defenseman Doug Janik on waivers from the Dallas Stars and have traded him back to the Stars in exchange for a conditional draft pick.

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forward Tomas Plihal and Alexei Semenov to one-year contracts.

The New York Islanders have claimed center Nate Thompson off waivers from the Boston Bruins.

Stay tuned for a big rumour update tonight!

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 8, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have claimed forward Joakim Lindstrom off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks and assigned him to Iowa of the American Hockey League.

The Boston Bruins have put forwards Peter Schaefer, Nate Thompson and Jeremy Reich on waivers.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenseman Luke Schenn to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Leafs also put forward Boyd Devereaux and defenseman Staffan Kronwall.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Patrick O'Sullivan to a three year contract averaging $2.925 million a year.

The Vancouver Canucks have put forwards Jason Krog and Matt Pettinger on waivers.

The San Jose Sharks have placed defenseman Kyle McLaren on waivers.

The Detroit Red Wings have place defenseman Aaron Downey on waivers.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 7, 2008

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed left wing Dan LaCouture to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Calgary Flames have placed defensemen Anders Eriksson and Rhett Warrener on waivers, along with forward Jamie Lundmark.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed forward Mark Bell on waivers.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have released defenseman Richard Matvichuk.

There are rumors that the Detroit Red Wings are interested in free agent forward Brendan Shanahan.

According to Metro News, the Boston Bruins are shopping forwards Peter Schaefer and P.J. Axelsson in hopes of landing a puck-moving defenseman. Source

Krajicek, Simek for Ouellet, O'Brien

The Vancouver Canucks have traded defenseman Lukas Krajicek and forward Juraj Simek to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Shane O'Brien and forward Michel Ouellet. Ouellet will report to the AHL Manitoba Moose. Brochu's take: Curious, as Ouellet just cleared waivers a few days ago. It would seem that Canucks GM Mike Gillis values grit more than skill. Source

Weekend rumor roundup Oct 4-5, 2008

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Zach Boychuk to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Jamie Heward to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Cody Hodgson to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Canucks have also put forward Jeff Cowan on waivers.

The Anaheim Ducks have claimed defenseman Nathan McIver off waivers from the Vancouvers Canucks.

The Montreal Canadiens have placed goaltender Marc Denis and defenseman Alex Henry on waivers.

Atlanta Thrashers goaltending prospect Ondrej Pavelec has refused a demotion to the AHL Chicago Wolves, and is asking for a trade. Source

Ottawa Senators forward Brad Isbister has refused an assignment to Binghamton and has been allowed to seek other options. Sens prospect Alexander Nikulin has also requested a trade.

The New Jersey Devils have allowed forward Fedor Fedorov to seek other options, as he has not earned a spot on the Devils' roster.

NHL signings and waiver transactions for Oct 3, 2008

The Detroit Red Wings have agreed to terms with goaltender Thomas McCollum on a three-year contract.

The Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman Justin Falk.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed goaltender Martin Jones to a three-year contract.

The New York Islanders have signed center Josh Bailey to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Chicago Blackhawks have claimed forward Joakim Lindstrom off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks.

The Dallas Stars have claimed defenseman Doug Janik off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Ducks have also assigned forward Bobby Ryan to the Iowa Chops in the AHL. Ryan did not need to clear waivers, which will help alleviate Anaheim's salary cap problems.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 2, 2008

Marty York of Metro News is reporting that "both the Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators have informed Minnesota Wild officials that they’d be willing and eager to take Marian Gaborik off their hands in a trade if they can’t sign the high-scoring winger to a new contract." Brochu's take: The likelihood of the Wild trading Gaborik to a division rival is remote. However, Gaborik rumors will continue to spread until he signs a contract extension. Source

According to the Boston Herald and other Boston sources, forward Marc Savard could be on his way out of Boston, as the Bruins want to deal him for a puck-moving defenseman. Brochu's take: There's that pesky no trade clause, but Savard would have no shortage of suitors. Source

The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded the rights to unsigned draft pick, Michal Sersen to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Tampa Bay’s fifth-round pick at the 2009 Entry Draft.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed defenseman Luca Sbisa to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Buffalo Sabres have claimed forward Matt Ellis off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Dan Gendur to an entry-level contract.

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed defenseman Ryan Lannon and centre Mike Zigomanis on waivers.

The Edmonton Oilers have placed forwards Ryan Potulny and Carl Corazzini on waivers.