NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 1, 2009

The Dallas Stars will officially announce on Monday that Joe Nieuwendyk will become the new general manager. Owner Tom Hicks also announced that co-GMs Brett Hull and Les Jackson have both been reassigned within the organization. Hull will be moving to the roles of Executive Vice President and Alternative Governor, while Jackson is returning to his role as Director of Scouting and Player Development. Nieuwendyk was, until today, the Special Assistant to the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brochu's take: Whoa, this came out of left field. Could this change the way the Stars will operate come free agency time? Source

The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Milan Kytnar to a three-year, entry-level contract. Kytnar was the Oil's 5th round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Paul Byron to a three-year, entry-level contract. Byron was the Sabres' 6th round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Source

The Calgary Flames have re-signed forward Kyle Greentree to a one-year, two-way contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup: (signings)

Forward Marek Zagrapan has left the Buffalo Sabres and has signed a contract with KHL club Severstal Cherepovets. Zagrapan is due to be a RFA, so the Sabres would still own his NHL rights. Source

Forward Aleksandr Nikulin has left the Phoenix Coyotes organization and has signed with CSKA Moskva (Moscow). Source

Forward Petr Vrana has left the New Jersey Devils organization and has signed with Czech club HC Vitkovice. Source

New York Islanders forward Kurtis McLean has left the organization and signed with Finnish hockey team Lukko Rauma.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 30, 2009

Sorry about the lack of updates lately, I have been involved in another hockey-related project and it's been taking up my time. But I should be updating the blog regularly in the lead-up to the 2009 NHL Entry Draft!

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed forward Rick Rypien to a two-year, $1.1 million contract.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Robert Bortuzzo to a three-year, entry-level contract. Bortuzzo was the Pens' third round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Alex Plante to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Oilers took Plante in the 1st round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. (edit. Thanks for the correction!)

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Chris Terry to a three-year, entry-level deal. Terry was the Canes' 5th round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The New York Islanders have signed forward Micheal Haley to a one-year, two-way NHL contract. Haley had been playing for the Isles' AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.

Brochu's European rumor roundup: (signings)

The Montreal Canadiens have officially signed free agent forward Mikael Johansson to a one-year, two-way contract. The 23-year-old Johansson has spent the past four seasons with Farjestads BK Karlstad of the Swedish Elite League.

The Florida Panthers have signed free agent goaltender Alexander Salak to a contract. The 22 year old Czech native has spent the last two seaons with Finnish club TPS. Source

The New York Rangers have signed free agent forward Andres Ambuhl to a contract. Ambuhl has played for HC Davos in Switzerland for the past several seasons. Source

New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Pock has left the organization and signed a contract with Swiss club Rapperswil. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 27, 2009

The Edmonton Oilers have named Pat Quinn as head coach and Tom Renney as associate coach. Both Quinn and Renney agreed to 3-year contracts with an unwritten understanding, assuming all parties remain employed at the end of their contracts, Renney will have an opportunity to take over as head coach if Quinn retires. The move reunites the pair with GM Steve Tambellini, who along with Quinn and Renney spent time with the Vancouver Canucks organization. Brochu's take: Tambellini definitely looked up his rolodex to fill these jobs. This brings up an even more intriguing rumor. We all know Jaromir Jagr would love to play with the Oilers. Could the hiring of Renney, his old coach in New York, expediate the process? Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, a few hours down Highway 2 in Calgary, GM Darryl Sutter admits that if he can't find someone better than himself, he will become the next coach of the Calgary Flames. Sutter revealed that he's looking at three candidates, but all are currently employed by NHL teams. Sutter also announced that assistant coaches Rich Preston and Rob Cookson and goalie coach David Marcoux will not have their contracts renewed when they expire June 30. Brochu's take: A clean house! Meanwhile, Jim Playfair gets the shaft once again.

Jim Balsillie's offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes comes with an expiry date. The Canadian billionaire is only willing to put up US$212.5-million for the NHL team until June 30, according to documents filed in a U.S. bankruptcy court on Tuesday.

Geoffrey E. Molson, vice-president of marketing for the Molson Coors Brewing Co., said in a statement Tuesday he's interested in submitting a bid to buy the hockey team.

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forward Jay McClement to a multi-year contract. Terms were not disclosed.

The Washington Capitals have signed undrafted free agent forward Jake Hauswirth to a three-year entry-level contract. The 21-year old Hauswirth has spent the last two seasons with the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Michael Del Zotto to a three-year, entry-level contract. Del Zotto was the Rangers 1st round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

According to RDS, Washington Capitals forward Viktor Kozlov has signed a deal with Salavat Yulaev of the KHL. Source

RDS is also reporting that eporting that Caps forward Sergei Fedorov is about to agree to a two-year, $7.6 million contract with Russia's Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Fedorov would be joining his younger brother Fedor on the Metallurg Magnitogorsk roster. Brochu's take: I smell another Fedorov brothers rap album! Source

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Radek Smolenak has left the organization and signed with KHL team Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk of the KHL. Brochu's take: That Russian team is serious need of vowels. Source

Anaheim Ducks forward Petri Kontiola has left the organization and signed with KHL team Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Source

Weekend rumor roundup for May 23-24, 2009

The Calgary Flames have fired head coach Mike Keenan. Brochu's take: It was thought that Keenan's job was safe after the Flames playoff exit, but GM Darryl Sutter must have a change of mind. Sutter may take the job himself again.

According to the New York Post, Rangers forward Bobby Holik is set to retire from hockey. Holik wants to spend more time with his family. Brochu's take: Hard to think that Holik once earned $9 million a season in the pre-lockout days.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

According to Swedish reports, the Montreal Canadiens have offered a contract to free agent forward Mikael Johansson. The 23-year old forward played for Farjestad in the SEL. Source

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Daniel Tjarnqvist is rumored to be signing with KHL team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 22, 2009

The Minnesota Wild will officially name Chuck Fletcher as the next GM of the team. Fletcher will replace Doug Risebrough, whose contract as president and general manager of the team was not renewed after the regular season ended. Fletcher is currently the assistant GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the team has said they will not stand in the way. Brochu's take: It is kind of weird to see a team still in the playoffs lose their assistant GM. I wonder who broke this story on TSN...could it be Pierre "El Kabong" McGuire, who was a finalist for the job? Source

The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Dwight King to a three-year, entry-level contract. King was the Kings' fourth round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Phoenix Coyotes minority partner John Breslow has formed a group interested in submitting a bid for the team, his lawyer Scott Cohen said Wednesday. Breslow currently owns 2% of the Coyotes. It's believed he's filed paperwork with the NHL to table a formal offer. Brochu's take: I find it odd that we hear news about all these "potential" offers from other parties, and yet Jim Balsillie's offer is still the only official and signifcant offer. Redfield Baum, the bankruptcy judge, has repeatedly stated that his only obligation is to the creditors, which would make you believe that Balsillie has an edge.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Washington Capitals forward Donald Brashear is rumored to be signing with a KHL team, possibly Vityaz Podolsk/Chekhov. Brashear's agent is currently in Russia in contract talks. Source

Russian reports are indicating that KHL team Avangard Omsk have targeted Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Frantisek Kaberle and Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander for the 2009-2010 season. Brochu's take: Kaberle's a UFA this summer, so it's possible. Nylander still has a couple seasons left in his contract so I don't see him doing a Radulov. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 21, 2009

According to the Team 1040 radio in Vancouver, brothers Scott and Rob Niedermayer would be interested in playing for the Vancouver Canucks. Their agent, Kevin Epps, confirmed that the pair would consider Vancouver as a "definitely possible" destination for them this summer, as they are both due to become unrestricted free agents this summer. Before signing with the Anaheim Ducks, the Niedermayer brothers considered signing with the Canucks. Brochu's take: This would be a very interesting scenario this summer, as the top target for the Canucks is a puck-moving defenseman. There's a possibility that they might take a hometown discount to play together, but the Niedermayers have indicated that is not a necessity. Source

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Kyle Beach to a three-year, entry-level contract. Beach was the Hawks' first round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed free agent forward Matthew Pistilli to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 20-year old has spent the last 5 seasons with the Shawinigan Cataractes and Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The New York Rangers have reported signed free agent defenseman Ilkka Heikkinen to a contract. The 24 year old blueliner has spent the past two seasons with HIFK in the SM-Liiga. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 20, 2009

Judge Redfield T. Baum ordered the NHL and Phoenix Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes to take their dispute over who controls the team to mediation. The judge has set a date of June 22 to settle the matter. Meanwhile, it has been revealed that if Jerry Reinsdorf's offer to buy the team is accepted, Wayne Gretzky would be forced to step down as head coach. It's believed Gretzky's salary, which is five times the salary of other NHL coaches, is a factor in Reinsdorf's conditional offer. Brochu's take: So much for the reports of Gretzky supporting Reinsdorf's offer, which has not come from the Great One himself. Reinsdorf's offer has not been officially confirmed either. It's possible that he could pull his offer anytime, even after the court's decision. Source

The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Johan Motin to a three-year, entry-level contract. Motin was the Oilers' fourth round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

According to reports in Kazakhstan, the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers have made offers to goalie Marc Lamothe and forward Jozef Stumpel of KHL team Barys Astana. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 19, 2009

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the father of Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jack Johnson has contacted a KHL team about having his son play in Russia next year. Jack Johnson Sr. reportedly contacted SKA St. Petersburg if they had interest in signing the impending restricted free agent to a one-year deal, and they responded that they did. Dreger is also reporting rumors that the Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning are in trade discussions, and it could be centred around Vincent Lecavalier. Brochu's take: Lecavalier's name is going to pop up everywhere as we get closer to the NHL Entry Draft. There's speculation that Johnson has demanded a trade. Dreger also states that the Montreal Canadiens remain in the running for Lecavalier. Source

The NFL, MLB and the NBA have lined up in support of the NHL's court fight to block the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes and move to southern Ontario. The other major sports leagues statements asking the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to "respect the National Hockey League's rules and procedures regarding ownership transfer and relocation." Brochu's take: We'll find out tomorrow, I suppose. I find it odd that Bettman's "friends" in the other sports have joined in the court matters, I would think this is exclusive to the NHL. I mean, I'm sure the NHL was not contacted when the Seattle Supersonics were moved to Oklahoma City. Source

Patrick Roy has denied speculation that the Colorado Avalanche have offered him the head coaching position. Current head coach Tony Granato has not been notified of the proceedings and still has two-years left on his contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 18, 2009

Chuck Gormley of the Courier-Post is reporting a rumor that the Philadelphia Flyers would trade either Daniel Briere or Joffrey Lupul and a top prospect (either James van Riemdyk, Luca Sbisa or a 2009 1st round pick) to the Montreal Canadiens for goalie Carey Price and the rights to impending UFA defenseman Mike Komisarek. Another rumour has the Flyers sending a package to the Vancouver Canucks for goalie Roberto Luongo and the rights to Mattias Ohlund. Gormley also adds the Canucks are interested in acquiring forward Jeff Carter. Brochu's take: First, this is completely ludicrous, but since it's quiet in the NHL rumor mill, I might as well have a stab at analyzing it. Briere has a no movement clause, and if he really wanted to be in Montreal, he could have signed there a few years ago. The rights to Mike Komisarek is only worth a 2nd rounder, so this trade would signicantly benefit Montreal. As for Luongo, he's not getting traded, despite all the made-up media speculation coming from Vancouver. Source

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told officials with the Phoenix Coyotes in early April that the NHL would consider moving the team to Winnipeg but not Hamilton, court filings show. Bankruptcy proceedings are expected to continue on Tuesday. There has also been rumors that Las Vegas could play into the equation. Brochu's take: The Vegas bid for an NHL team has been on the backburner since the arena deal fell through, but the Phoenix situation may stoke the fires again. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 16, 2009

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Anton Gustafsson to a three-year, entry-level contract. Gustafsson was the Caps' 1st round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed forward Steve Bernier to a two-year, $4 million contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Defenseman Niclas Havelid has left the New Jersey Devils and signed a one year contract with Linkopings HC in Sweden. Source

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jakub Petruzalek forward has signed with Lukko Rauma in Finland.

There are rumors from Russia that New York Rangers forward Nikolai Zherdev could sign with a KHL team. Zherdev is a restricted free agent this summer.

There are rumors from Russia that Washington Capitals forward Viktor Kozlov will be playing with SKA St. Petersburg next season. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 14, 2009

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has refuted rumors that he has entered draft negotiations with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Speculation was rampant on Tuesday that the Lightning were willing to send the 2nd overall pick and forward Ryan Malone to the Leafs in exchange for the 7th overall pick. There was also a rumor that the Leafs would consider sending Luke Schenn and Tomas Kaberle and the pick to the Bolts for the 2nd overall pick. Burke still stands that he would try to get John Tavares at the draft. Brochu's take: I think this story will continue to simmer and heat up once the draft rolls around. I really don't think Burke will give up Schenn. Source

The Globe and Mail is reporting that Jim Balsillie has reached an agreement with the city of Hamilton for “an option on a 20-year lease” for Copps Coliseum, Hamilton Place and the convention centre. In the meantime, it has been revealed that Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf's offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes is valued at around $130 million, significantly less than Balsillie's $212.5 million. Brochu's take: The bankrupty hearing is still ongoing, but you really have to wonder if the judge is going to look at both offers and see which one is better for the creditors. It doesn't take a genius to see that Balsillie's offer puts more money in the creditors' pockets. There's also rumors that Reinsdorf's offer isn't really "official" and that he was more or less kicking the tires on the whole deal. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Mitch Fadden to a three-year, entry-level contract. Fadden was the Bolts' 4th round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenseman P.K. Subban to a three-year, entry-level contract. Subban was the Habs' 2nd round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The Canadiens have also re-signed defenseman Andre Benoit, who played the last two seasons with Sodertalje in Sweden, to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Boston Bruins have signed forward Jamie Arniel to a three-year, entry-level contract. Arniel was the B's 4th round pick in 2007.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 12, 2009

The Atlanta Thrashers have had "several inquiries" from possible investors, but have not had talks about moving the team. One of the team's owners, Washington businessman Bruce Levenson, said Monday "there is no truth to the rumour" the ownership group has been involved in discussions about taking the team out of Atlanta, including with a Vancouver group reportedly interested in relocating the Thrashers to Hamilton. The Hamilton Spectator reported on Saturday that Vancouver developer Tom Gaglardi heads a group interested in moving the Thrashers to Canada. Meanwhile, the mayor of Hamilton has focused his efforts to land an NHL team with the Jim Balsillie group. Source

The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Tyler Myers to a three-year, entry-level contract. Myers was the Sabres' first round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Cameron Gaunce and goalie Trevor Cann to entry-level contracts. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed head coach Rick Tocchet to a two-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Buffalo Sabres forward Colin Murphy has left the organization and signed with German club Augsburger Panther.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 9, 2009

According to TSN, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly admits that Jim Balsillie's bid for the Phoenix Coyotes caught league officials by surprise and says there have been three offers to keep the team in Arizona. "He makes his own decisions and he's making a decision that this is the way he wants to get into the National Hockey League." Daly said. "We don't usually like to pick fights, but we end them." Daly was also named the temporary CEO of the Coyotes on Friday. In the meantime, the city of Hamilton has confirmed talks with Balsillie's camp, and expressed their interest in getting the Coyotes. Brochu's take: Get your popcorn ready, folks. It seems like this is Balsillie's Last Stand of getting an NHL franchise, and he's going to fight until the end. As for the NHL, did they not in early March claim they weren't in control of the Coyotes? And Daly's comments on owner Jerry Moyes seemed contradictory, since Moyes is looking for the best deal for himself, not the creditors. Source

The Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Erik Karlsson to a three-year, entry-level contract. Karlsson was the Sens' first round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Patrick Roy met with Colorado Avalanche president Pierre Lacroix on Thursday, but it's unknown what was discussed. Roy has been rumored to be coming back to the Avs organization in some fashion, possibly for the vacant GM job.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The three frontrunners to land Swedish free agent goalie Jonas "The Monster" Gustavsson appears to be the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and the Vancouver Canucks. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 6, 2009

Research-in-Motion CEO Jim Balsillie has made a formal offer of $212.5 million dollars to buy out the suddenly bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes, and move them into the southern Ontario market. It's believed that Balsillie would put the team in Hamilton for the time being. But late Tuesday night the NHL signalled its intention to fight Balsillie every step of the way and insisted it — not the Coyotes' current owner — will determine the fortunes of the team. The NHL has removed Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes from all positions of authority with the club. Brochu's take: If you've been reading my blog over the years, you know I'm a supporter of Balsillie. I think commissioner Gary Bettman should step aside and stop blocking Balsillie. It's unfortunate for Coyotes fans, but I think a profitable team in the greater Toronto area would increase even more interest in the NHL. More on this over the next few days as the story develops. Source

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Casey Pierro-Zabotel to a three-year, entry-level contract. Pierro-Zabotel was the Pen's third round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The New York Rangers have signed free agent forward Jordan Owens to a contract.

The Dallas Stars have signed forward Michael Neal to a three-year, entry-level contract. Neal was Dallas’ fifth-round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Canadian Press is reporting that Alexander Medvedev, the billionaire owner of Russia's KHL is interested in buying an NHL franchise. "We have considered 10 opportunities, we have short-listed three and we continue to look at these three teams," Medvedev said Tuesday at the IIHF World Hockey Championship. "We will just make our due diligence. It's a very strange situation when real hockey [cities] like Quebec don't have an NHL team." Medvedev is expected to meet with NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly next week. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 5, 2009

According to RDS, the Montreal Canadiens have contacted Marc Crawford for the head coach position. Crawford is currently doing colour commentary on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada. Brochu's take: Crawford also speaks a little bit of French, so that will help him out. Source

The latest name in the rumor mill for the vacant GM position of the Minnesota Wild appears to be Pierre McGuire. Brochu's take: If that indeed happens, I expect Dion Phaneuf, Zach Parise and Carey Price being traded to the Wild at once.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Slovakian hockey team HC Kosice has targeted New York Islanders forward Tomas Marcinko and Los Angeles Kings forward Vladimir Dravecky for the 2009-2010 season. Source

New Jersey Devils defenseman Niclas Havelid has been linked with a number of Swedish teams, including Linkoping, Sodertalje and Timra. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 4, 2009

According to the New York Post, Markus Naslund has retired from the NHL at the age of 35. Naslund notified New York Rangers GM Glen Sather of his decision at an exit interview on Thursday. The Rangers have not commented on the newspaper report. Naslund still has one year remaining on his contract, worth $3 million. Brochu's take: Naslund was once amongst the top 3 players in the league. However, he's never really been the same since the Steve Moore hit.

The San Jose Sharks have signed forward John McCarthy to a two-year, entry-level contract. McCarthy was the Sharks' 7th round pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

According to TSN, the Philadelphia Flyers have had significant discussions with Ray Emery's agent, J.P. Barry, about a return to the NHL. Emery played in Russia last season in the Kontinental Hockey League with Atlant Mytischi and has a lucrative offer on the table to return to the KHL with the same club. The Flyers have been rumored to be looking to improve their goaltending position, and they are also interested in Florida Panthers goalie Craig Anderson and Atlanta Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen. Brochu's take: There's also rumors that the Edmonton Oilers are looking closely at the young netminder. Source

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting the Blackhawks and free agent-to-be forward Martin Havlat are discussing a 8-10 year contract extension. Brochu's take: While Havlat finally had an injury-free season, his questionable injury history should scare any team off a long-term offer like that. The Hawks would be making a big mistake if they did that. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Buffalo Sabres goalie Mikael Tellqvist has left the organization and has signed with Russian club Ak Bars Kazan for the 2009-2010 season.

Weekend rumor roundup for May 2-3, 2009

The New York Rangers have re-signed goalie Steve Valiquette to a one-year, $725,000 contract. Source

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

Al Strachan reported that there are rumors that Chicago Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon could be on his way. Strachan cites friction between Tallon and president John McDonough, and McDonough might want to bring his own guy on the team.

The Hotstove panel also reported that Mike O'Connell, David McNabb and Chuck Fletcher are rumored to be in the mix for the Minnesota Wild GM position.

Pierre LeBrun reported that contract talks between the Vancouver Canucks and the Sedin brothers are not going well, and three NHL teams are very interested in landing them both in the free agent market this summer. The Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs all have the cap space and interest in the Swedish twins. Brochu's take: I still think Vancouver will sign them both in the summer, at slightly less than market value.

According to the CBC panel, if the New York Islanders take defenseman Victor Hedman first overall in the upcoming 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning would consider trading the 2nd overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Tomas Kaberle and Luke Schenn. Consequently, the Leafs would take John Tavares. Brochu's take: That would be one crazy proposal. There's a lot of speculation that the Islanders could be edging towards taking Hedman, so there's a real possibilty that this could happen. LeBrun reports that Lightning owner Oren Koules was scouting another top draft pick, Matt Duchene tonight.