NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 30, 2009

** Hell of a time for Blogger to crap out on me! Look for my updates on the Twitter gadget on your right or find me on Twitter @Brochuishockey ***

According to Mark Spector of Sportsnet, there's a rumor that the Calgary Flames will trade defenseman Dion Phaneuf to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Dany Heatley. Brochu's take: I think Phaneuf is staying in Calgary, since his old coach Brent Sutter is there now. Source

Spector is also saying that the Edmonton Oilers are considering sending defenseman Sheldon Souray to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for blueliner Jack Johnson, and a few "other pieces." Brochu's take: Souray's been rumored to want out of Edmonton, but I think he actually enjoys playing there. I don't think GM Steve Tambellini would want someone of Johnson's questionable character traits on his team.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed forward Bill Guerin to a one-year, $2 million contract extension.

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forwards Mike Weaver and Brad Winchester to one-year, $800,000 contracts.

The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed goalie Peter Budaj to a one-year contract.

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed defenseman Rob Blake to a one-year, $3.5 million contract extension. Source

Signings and Waiver update for Jun 29, 2009

I will be constantly updating the blog in the next few days until Free Agency Day! So thanks for reading.

The Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed forward David Bolland to a five-year, $16.875 million contract extension. Brochu's take: This was rumored at the draft, so now it's official. Big overpayment if you ask me.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Jussi Jokinen to a two-year, $3.4-million contract extension.

The following NHL players have been placed on unconditional waivers, for the purposes of buying out their contracts. St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay McKee ($4 million), Boston Bruins forward Peter Schaefer ($2.1 million) and Florida Panthers forward Brett McLean ($1.7 million). The salary in brackets is their expected salary in 2009-2010.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed forward Craig Adams to a two-year, $1.1 million contract extension.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 29, 2009

According to Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell, both Kari Lehtonen and Ondrej Pavelec will be shopped this summer, with one of them most likely to be traded. Brochu's take: Lehtonen hasn't quite lived up to his potential, but I'm pretty sure some NHL teams will give him a chance. Pavelec may need several more years to establish himself. Source

According to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun, several teams have contacted the Detroit Red Wings about trading the rights to forward Marian Hossa. GM Ken Holland doesn't want to trade the rights yet, but admits if a deal cannot be concluded in the next 48 hours, he will consider offers. Brochu's take: It's my guess that Hossa will be shooting for the moon in terms of his contract, so whoever wants his rights should be wary. I'm hearing the Carolina Hurricanes and Islanders are very interested.

LeBrun also adds a rumor that the Montreal Canadiens may sign impending UFA Martin Havlat. Havlat spends his offseason in Montreal. Source

There continues to be speculation that Saku Koivu will sign with the Minnesota Wild so that he can play with his brother Mikko.

It appears the Philadelphia Flyers are willing to let impending UFA goalie Martin Biron go, since they already signed Ray Emery to a contract. It's been rumored that the Colorado Avalanche are interested in signing the netminder.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun postulates that the Habs will go after Philadelphia Flyers forward Daniel Briere as "Plan B", as efforts to pry Vincent Lecavalier from the Tampa Bay Lightning have been futile. Garrioch adds that the Flyers are shopping forward Simon Gagne. Brochu's take: Briere's contract is essentially untradeable, and he has a no trade clause and made it pretty clear he doesn't want to play in Montreal, despite Garrioch's assertions. As for Gagne, his contract is pretty cheap, and I would imagine many teams will be lining up to get him. Source

Draft Day 2 Trades and Rumors Review

The Phoenix Coyotes traded their 7th round pick to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for the rights to defenseman Shaun Heshka.

The Edmonton Oilers have traded forward Kyle Brodziak and a sixth-round pick in the 2009 Draft to the Minnesota Wild for a fourth and a fifth-round pick.

The Atlanta Thrashers traded a fourth-round pick (No. 95) to the Los Angeles Kings for two fourth-round picks (Nos. 117 and 120) and a seventh-round pick (No. 203). Atlanta also traded a sixth-round pick (No. 177) in the 2009 Draft to the Chicago Blackhawks for a fifth-round pick in 2010.

The Edmonton Oilers also traded a seventh-round pick (No. 191) in the 2009 Draft to the Ottawa Senators for a sixth-round pick in 2010.

The Los Angeles Kings also sent a third-round pick in the 2009 Draft (No. 74) to the Calgary Flames for third-round (No. 84) and fourth-round (No. 107) picks. Los Angeles also traded fourth-round (No. 107) and fifth-round (No. 138) picks to the Florida Panthers for Florida's third-round pick in 2010.

The Nashville Predators traded a fifth-round pick (No. 148) in the 2009 Entry Draft to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a fifth-round pick in 2010. Nashville also traded a seventh-round pick (No. 202) in the 2009 Draft to the St. Louis Blues for a seventh-round pick in 2010.

The New York Islanders traded a second-round pick (No. 56) in the 2009 Draft to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a third-round pick (No. 62) and a fourth-round pick (No. 92). The Islanders also traded a third-round pick in the 2009 Draft to the Phoenix Coyotes for a third-round pick in the 2010 Draft.

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded a seventh-round pick (No. 211) in 2009 to the Montreal Canadiens for a sixth-round pick in 2010.

The Dallas Stars traded a sixth-round pick (No. 189) in the 2009 Draft to the San Jose Sharks for a sixth-round pick in the 2010 Draft.

Prust for Vandermeer, Lepisto to Phoenix

The Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Jim Vandermeer to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Brandon Prust.

The Washington Capitals have traded defenseman Sami Lepisto to the Phoenix Coyotes for a 5th rounder in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded goalie Chad Johnson to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 5th round pick.

The Los Angeles Kings have traded forward Brian Boyle to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 3rd round pick in 2010.

Bouwmeester for Leopold and a 3rd

The Florida Panthers have traded the rights to defenseman Jay Bouwmeester to the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Jordan Leopold and a third round pick (67th overall).

Draft trade review

The New York Islanders traded their 16th and 77th pick to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for their 12th pick.

The Columbus Blue Jackets traded the 26th and 37th picks to the Anaheim Ducks in a deal that gave the Blue Jackets the 21st selection.

The New Jersey Devils traded their 23rd pick and their 3rd rounder to the Calgary Flames for the 20th overall pick.

The Tampa Bay Lightning traded the 32nd pick and a third-rounder (No. 75) to the Detroit Red Wings for the No. 29 pick.

Columbus and Islanders switch picks

Columbus Blue Jackets trade their 16th and 77th overall picks to the New York Islanders for the 26th, 37th, 62nd and 92 overall picks.

Pronger for Lupul,Sbisa and 2 1st rounders

The Anaheim Ducks have traded Chris Pronger and forward Ryan Dingle to the Philadelphia Flyers for Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa, their 1st rounder in the 2009 and 2010 Entry Draft AND a conditional third round pick in the 2010 or 2011 draft. (as per TSN) Edit.

Pre-draft rumor update!

It's only 30 minutes to the NHL Entry Draft, here's a quick review of today's rumors. Don't forget, I'll be live-blogging for the next few hours! I will be posting the big trades here, but rumors and breaking stuff will be on my Twitter account. http://twitter.com/Brochuishockey (it's also in the column on your right)

TSN is reporting that defenseman Scott Niedermayer has decided to return for one more season of hockey, and it will be with the Anaheim Ducks. This almost certainly means that Chris Pronger will be traded, most likely during the draft.

The Boston Bruins have offered restricted free agent forward Phil Kessel and a draft pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Tomas Kaberle. Brochu's take: This is probably that "significant" offer they got yesterday.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that the St. Louis Blues are definitely interested in restricted free agent goalie Josh Harding, along with 4 other NHL teams. It's likely that Harding will be traded sometime this summer. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 26, 2009

I will be live-blogging during the NHL Entry Draft, beginning around 7 PM EST/ 4 PM PST!

Pierre McGuire of TSN is reporting that Florida Panthers assistant (acting) GM Randy Sexton has set a price of a 3rd or 4th round pick for the negotiation rights to impending UFA defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. The Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers are the most rumored teams to be involved. Brochu's take: Various sources have indicated that his rights could be traded as early as Friday.

Tim Wharnsby of the Globe and Mail is reporting that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has targeted several players on different teams as trade possibilities. It's believed that Burke is interested in acquiring defenseman Wade Redden from the New York Rangers and forward Peter Schaefer from the Boston Bruins. It's also believed he has interest in Anaheim Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere. Giguere has a no trade clause, but Toronto is one of several NHL teams on a list he has provided to Ducks management that he will accept a move to. Source

The no.4 overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, owned by the Atlanta Thrashers, is definitely in play. Thrashers GM Don Waddell has admitted that he is shopping the pick, and he's had some discussions with the Leafs. Brochu's take: In a later interview, Waddell admitted there wasn't much progress in the trade talks, but we shall see on draft day.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN is reporting that the San Jose Sharks are shopping restricted free agent forward Ryane Clowe. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Washington Capitals forward Sergei Fedorov has officially signed a two-year deal with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL. Source

Defenseman Lasse Kukkonen has left the Philadelphia Flyers organization and signed with Russian club Avangard Omsk. Source

Kaberle deal done?

According to Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun (on his twitter page), a deal is complete involving Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle. It was reported earlier today on TSN that the Leafs received a "significant" offer for Kaberle, and they were waiting for other NHL teams to match or better the deal. Brochu's take: The small window where Kaberle's no trade clause is invalid begins at the start of the Entry Draft, so this trade cannot be officially announced until then. Stay tuned! Source

Luongo agrees to long-term contract extension

According to John Buccigross of ESPN, the Vancouver Canucks have re-signed goalie Roberto Luongo to a long-term contract extension. As per NHL rules, the contract cannot be officially announced until July 1. The rumor is that the deal is in the 8-10 year range, with an average cap hit of $5.75 million. Brochu's take: If this is true, than this would be a great deal for the Canucks.

The Team 1040 radio in Vancouver interviewed GM Mike Gillis and it appears that Daniel and Henrik Sedin are going to free agency. Gillis is quoted as saying "all bets are off" if the Swedish twins aren't signed by July 1.

I will have more updates regularly as we get closer to the draft/free agency!

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 24, 2009

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Dany Heatley has given the Senators a list of around 10 teams that he is willing to be traded to. Sources told Sun Media the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins were among the teams submitted to Murray by Heatley’s agents J.P. Barry and Stacey McAlpine. Garrioch adds that the Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues are taking a "serious look." Brochu's take: It's Garrioch, so take it with a bucket of salt, but he is pretty dialed in with the Senators. The Rangers, Sharks, Red Wings and Blackhawks have serious cap issues, so they can be eliminated. I expect Heatley to be traded at the NHL Entry Draft. Source

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has determined that Oren Koules has the final say in hockey matters with the Tampa Bay Lightning. GM Brian Lawton will remain in charge of team decisions. It's believed Koules and co-owner Len Barrie will have several weeks to work out their differences. Consequently, this increases the speculation that Vincent Lecavalier will be moved, as Koules wants to get the payroll down to around $40 million. Brochu's take: It's been confirmed that at last year's free agency frenzy, both Koules and Barrie, along with Lawton, negotiated contract talks with agents, almost all independently of each other. What a fantastically-run organization!

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Karri Ramo has signed a two-year contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL. It's believed he has a out-clause after one year in Russia. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 23, 2009

According to the St. Petersburg Times, there is a power struggle going on between the principle owners of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Oren Koules and Len Barrie. Koules and Barrie are scheduled to have a meeting Tuesday with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to determine which one of them will have the authority to make decisions for the franchise. Writer John Romano is quoted as saying that "The talk is that Koules wants to keep Lawton as GM, wants to trade Vincent Lecavalier to get out from under his $85 million contract and wants to pare the payroll to the low $40 million range. Barrie is not as solidly behind Lawton, wants to build around Lecavalier and is in favor of signing some free agents to get the payroll closer to $50 million." Brochu's take: Whoa, where did this all come from? Basically, tomorrow could decide the fate of Lecavalier, and what happens to this franchise. Romano reports that Koules has been getting on the bad side of personnel in the Lightning offices. Source

Writer Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province reported on his Twitter account that Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik has bought a house in Vancouver. Brochu's take: Not much of a rumor, but I bring it up because it is eerily similiar to last year, when Markus Naslund was rumored to be showing Pavol Demitra around town, which led to Demitra signing with the Canucks. Also, Gaborik is a close friend of Demitra, so put 2 and 2 together. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 22, 2009

There are rumors that the Edmonton Oilers will focus their attention in the free agent market on forward Nik Antropov. Antropov made $2.15 million last season, and is looking for at least double that amount for 4-5 years. Brochu's take: If the marquee free agent wingers are snapped up by other NHL teams, the Oilers may have to overpay to land Antropov.

According to Larry Brooks of the NY Post, the New York Rangers have made no effort in re-signing forward Colton Orr. The Florida Panthers are "keenly" interested in Orr. Source

The Calgary Flames will officially announce on Tuesday that Brent Sutter will be the new head coach. Brochu's take: It seems this rumor has been floating around even when Sutter was still coach of the Devils.

Geoff Molson and his brothers Andrew and Justin agreed in principle to purchase the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, returning one of hockey's most storied franchises to the Canadian brewing family. George Gillett has sold the team for approximately $500 million. Brochu's take: Now Gillett can use the money to pay off Liverpool FC's debt, and bring in some more star players.

The Washington Capitals have re-signed defensemen Tyler Sloan and Sean Collins to one and two-year contracts, respectively. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Russian sources are indicating that KHL team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl has offered a two-year contract to Washington Capitals goalie Simeon Varlamov. Varlamov has two more years in his entry-level contract with the Caps. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 20, 2009

According to Swedish newspaper Expressen, Daniel and Henrik Sedin have each tabled a 12-year, $63 million contract offer to the Vancouver Canucks. According to Darren Dreger of TSN, GM Mike Gillis has already rejected the offer. Brochu's take: I think the twins will hit the open market. And if they do, I don't think they will be re-signing with the Canucks.

The Miami Herald is also reporting that the Florida Panthers are "officially" shopping the rights to impending UFA Jay Bouwmeester. Brochu's take: There's a rumored list of teams he wants to be traded to, but at this point the Panthers will trade his rights to anyone who will give the highest package. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have traded forward Steve Reinprecht to the Florida Panthers in exchange for forward Stefan Meyer. The Panthers have also signed Reinprecht to a three-year, $6.15 million contract extension.

The Coyotes have also re-signed forward Petr Prucha to a two-year, $2.2 million contract.

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forward Keith Tkachuk to a one-year, $2.15 million contract.

The Colorado Avalanche and forward Cody McLeod have agreed to a three-year deal worth $3.1 million.

The Canucks have also signed forward Matt Pope to a one-year, two-way contract. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 18, 2009

The Toronto Maple Leafs can be safely ruled out of the Dany Heatley sweepstakes. In an interview with NHL Live! on the NHL Network, GM Brian Burke expressed his non-interest in the Ottawa Senators player and disdain for the way he has demanded his trade request. Brochu's take: People who live in glass houses shouldn't be throwing stones. Burke took advantage of a similiar situation when he landed Chris Pronger in Anaheim. Source

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed defenseman Alex Goligoski to a three-year contract extension.

The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Quintin Laing to a one-year contract extension.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

KHL team Atlant Mytischi has offered Phoenix Coyotes forward Enver Lisin a two-year contract. Brochu's take: Given the Coyotes financial situation, the likelihood of Lisin leaving for Russia is pretty high. Source

There's a rumor that KHL team Barys Astana has offered a two-year, $6 million contract to Pittsburgh Penguins forward Miroslav Satan. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 17, 2009

According to Al Strachan of the Score, there's a rumor that the Toronto Maple Leafs could send defenseman Tomas Kaberle to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Marek Zidlicky and goaltender Josh Harding. The speculation is that the Leafs brass are very impressed with Harding. Harding is also due to be a restricted free agent this summer. Brochu's take: This may be the last chance for GM Brian Burke to deal Kaberle. Zidlicky is a good offensive defenseman, but his numbers have decreased since his Nashville days.

The Nashville Predators have named former Predator Martin Gelinas Director of Player Development. Gelinas spent last season with SC Bern of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Brochu's take: I take it this means Gelinas has retired from playing hockey.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

New York Islanders forward Jeremy Colliton is rumoured to be leaving the organization and signing with Swedish team Rogle for the 2009-2010 season. Source

Russian reports are saying that Pittsburgh Penguins forward Petr Sykora could be signing with KHL team Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 16, 2009

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that, according to NHL agents and league sources, the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks are the teams most mentioned in the Dany Heatley trade talks. Brian Campbell's name has been mentioned as a possible trade target. The Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks are also in the running, with the possibility of the Sharks offering Patrick Marleau and Canucks offering Roberto Luongo, respectively. Brochu's take: I thought that Edmonton would be the most logical destination, but a recent report from the Edmonton Sun suggests that Heatley doesn't want to play there. The Hawks would love to get rid of Campbell's salary, but I don't think the Sens are interested. Marleau's name continues to be in the rumor mill, while Luongo will be mentioned in all trade talks until he signs a contract extension. Source

The Minnesota Wild have hired Todd Richards as their new head coach. The 43-year old Richards spent last season as an assistant for the San Jose Sharks under Todd McLellan. The Wild have also announced that assistant GM Tom Lynn will be let go.

The Boston Bruins have re-signed GM Peter Chiarelli to a multi-year contract extension.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed coach Paul Maurice to a three-year contract.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher has officially announced his retirement. Hatcher will now become the Flyers new player development coach.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting that several NHL teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in SKA St. Petersburg goalie Robert Esche.Barry Smith, GM of SKA St Petersburg, confirmed NHL teams have interest in Esche but said he wouldn't release him from his contract until the club found a suitable replacement. Source

Update tonight

Sorry about the delay, there appears to be some Blogger issues. I will have an update tonight!

Pronger for Jack Johnson and a 1st?

According to Sportsnet, there's a big rumor that the Anaheim Ducks are about to trade defenseman Chris Pronger to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and the Kings 5th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Pronger, Ducks GM Bob Murray and Kings GM Dean Lombardi have all denied the rumor. Brochu's take: The Score is reporting that the trade is done. According to the NHL's collective agreement, no trades can be completed until after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup playoffs. There's also reports that the draft pick may turn out to be a 2nd rounder. Stay tuned!

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 12, 2009

According to Al Strachan of the Score, the Montreal Canadiens are targetting Ottawa Senators forward Chris Neil when he is due to be a UFA this summer. It's believed that Sens GM Bryan Murray and Neil's agent have had contract discussions, but it's looking like Neil will test the waters of free agency. Brochu's take: The Canadiens could certainly use Neil's size and grit, but at what price? Is he worth $2-2.5 million a year?

The Dallas Stars have fired Marc Crawford as the new head coach. Dave Tippett was fired on Wednesday by new GM Joe Nieuwendyk.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Brian Strait to an entry-level contract. Strait was the Pens' 3rd round pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Nashville Predators defenseman Tim Ramholt is rumored to be signing with Swiss club HC Davos for the 2009-2010 season. Source

Possible Heatley destinations

Here's my list of possible destinations for Dany Heatley, in order of probability:

1. Edmonton

Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray loves Dustin Penner, and this could be the best opportunity to unload the under-performing forward. Penner alone won't make the deal happen, so the Oilers would have to give up either Sam Gagner or Andrew Cogliano and picks to get Heatley. Heatley has also good relations with Hockey Canada and Edmonton management personnel such as Kevin Lowe and Steve Tambellini.

2. Calgary

Heatley was raised in Calgary, so that's one reason. Pay no attention to those ridiculous Dion Phaneuf proposals, but the Flames would have to unload one of their high price contracts in order to fit him in their salary cap.

3. Los Angeles

They have lots of salary cap space, and lots of young assets to trade, such as Alexander Frolov. But the problem is Heatley going to waive his no-movement clause to a team that isn't quite Stanley Cup material?

4. St. Louis

They're looking to make a big splash on the free agent market, but getting Heatley would just be as good. They have a lot of good, young players and plenty of cap space.

5. Vancouver

It's looking unlikely that the Sedin twins will re-sign, so that frees up two top-6 spots and lots of salary cap space. However, the Canucks lack tradeable young assets. Heatley does own an off-season home in Kelowna, BC but I think that's not a huge factor.

Wildcard: Tampa Bay

The only way this would work is a straight Heatley for Lecavalier deal, which would offset each other's big salary cap hit. However, I wouldn't put anything pass Oren Koules and Len Barrie.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 10, 2009

Forward Dany Heatley has asked the Ottawa Senators for a trade. Heatley, who still has 5 years at $7.5 million a year left on his contract extension, let the team know of his intentions last week. GM Bryan Murray is aware of the request, but expects Heatley to honour the contract. There's speculation that the 28 year old would like to play in the Western Conference. Brochu's take: I will have a full breakdown of Heatley and possible destinations tomorrow. Source

According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, the New York Rangers have made forward Scott Gomez available. The Los Angeles Kings could be in the running. Brochu's take: I'm thinking the Edmonton Oilers would be interested, especially with old coach Tom Renney behind the bench. And Edmonton is a lot closer to Alaska than New York. Source

LeBrun also states that the Kings are interested in Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan Smyth, who is also being shopped.

Brent Sutter has officially stepped down as coach of the New Jersey Devils, citing a homesickness for his family and WHL team, the Red Deer Rebels. Speculation continues to swirl that he will join his older brother Darryl in Calgary, but Sutter is non-committal to the idea. Brochu's take: Sutter will be signing a contract with the Flames in 3.....2.....1....

Judge Redfield T. Baum said during the bankruptcy court hearing Tuesday that he believes the NHL has a right to demand payment for its territorial rights in Hamilton. The relocation fee could possibly reach $100 million, but the exact amount could be decided in mediation. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Andrew Kozek to an entry-level contract. Kozek was the Thrashers' 2nd round choice in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

The Thrashers also re-signed defenseman Anssi Salmela to a multi-year contract extension.

The New York Rangers have signed forward Chris Doyle to a three-year, entry-level contract. Doyle was the Rangers's 5th round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 9, 2009

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed goalie Ray Emery to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. The deal cannot be officially announced until July 1, when Emery is eligible to be signed. Brochu's take: Here we go again! The Pennsylvania Highway Patrol better get their tickets ready.

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Rob Klinkhammer, defensemen Jonathan Carlsson and Brian Connelly and goaltender Alec Richards to entry-level contracts. Carlsson was the Hawks' fourth round choice in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Klinkhammer and Connelly had been playing with the AHL Rockford IceHogs, while Richards is a college free agent from Yale University. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed forward Marty Reasoner to a two-year, contract extension.

The Calgary Flames have re-signed goalie Curtis McElhinney to a one-way, two-year deal, worth slightly over $1 million. Brochu's take: Hmmm, they must have a lot of confidence in him to sign a one-way contract. I would have guessed the Flames would go out this summer to find some better backup goaltending.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed forward Mike Brown to a two-year, $1.075 million contract extension.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 7, 2009

Here are some of the latest rumors from Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal:

Agent Bryon Baltimore wouldn't be surprised if Jay Bouwmeester's negotiating rights were dealt to one of four NHL teams, the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens and the Vancouver Canucks. Brochu's take: I think the possibility of this happening is quite high, as Bouwmeester is 99.9% certain NOT to re-sign with Florida.

Matheson adds that if Philly wants to sign Bouwmeester, they would most likely have to shed salary by trading forward Daniel Briere. Los Angeles could be a possibility, while the Canadiens remain in the hunt. Brochu's take: Perhaps Matheson forgot about Briere's no-movement clause, or the fact that he doesn't want to play in Montreal.

The Minnesota Wild have "targeted" four teams as possible trade destinations for impending RFA goalie Josh Harding. The Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings and the Philadelphia Flyers are all looking for goaltending. Brochu's take: Inter-divisional trades are rare, but the Red Wings are definitely a team that is interested.

There is talk that the Boston Bruins will send RFA forward Phil Kessel to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for the third overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: Value-wise, I think the Bruins will have give a little more than that. Probably another 2nd rounder should do it.

Matheson believes that the San Jose Sharks will move Patrick Marleau, possibly to the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs need a no.1 centre, but Matheson believes he would be better in a secondary role.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 4, 2009

The Colorado Avalanche have fired head coach Tony Granato and named Greg Sherman as the new general manager. Along with Granato, five others in the Avs' front office were also fired. Brochu's take: It's absolutely bush-league the way the Colorado organization let Granato sit like a sitting duck, waiting for the hammer to fall. I think future players and management will be more careful about joining the Avs. Source

According to Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.com, the Philadelphia Flyers are close to signing goalie Ray Emery to a contract. Several NHL GMs have confirmed that this is pretty close to a "done deal". Emery cannot sign a contract until July 1, because he is still considered a UFA, even though he spent last season with KHL team Atlant Mytischi. Source

Here comes Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Garrioch claims that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier is available, despite numerous denials by Bolts GM Brian Lawton. Speculation is that the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings remain the frontrunners to land the superstar, while Garrioch claims the Edmonton Oilers made a pitch for him last season. Brochu's take: Expect the Lecavalier rumors to reach a crescendo near the NHL Entry Draft.

San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson has fielded calls on forwards Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton, but it's unlikely that Wilson will move either. He is however, certain to make moves this summer.

The Boston Herald is reporting that the Bruins may consider trading RFA forward Phil Kessel, as they are limited by the amount of cap space after re-signing forward David Krejci. The Herald is also reporting speculation that forward Marc Savard be willing to waive his no trade clause. Brochu's take: There's just no more salary cap space for the Bruins to keep all that talent. Teams will be lining up to get their hands on Savard and Kessel, but that's a shocker that Savard would be willing to waive his NTC. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 3, 2009

The Boston Bruins have re-signed impending restricted free agent forward David Krejci to a three-year, $11.25 million contract. The contract is worth $3.5, $3.75 and $4 million per year, respectively. Brochu's take: Great signing by GM Peter Chiarelli. Krejci is capable of scoring at a point-a-game pace and has great playmaking skills.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Mikhail Stefanovich, defenseman Carl Gunnarsson and defenseman Juraj Mikus to entry-level contracts. Stefanovich, 19, was the Leafs’ 3rd round choice, selected 98th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Gunnarsson was the 6th round choice in the 2007 Draft, and Mikus was the Leafs' 5th round pick in 2007. Brochu's take: Burkie continues to add depth to the organization, and expect him to be a big player at the Draft and free agency.

The Dallas Stars have signed goalies Matt Climie and Brent Krahn to one-year, two-way contracts for the 2009-2010 NHL season.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 2, 2009

The Montreal Canadiens have hired Jacques Martin as the new head coach of the team. The move reunites Martin with assistant general manager Pierre Gauthier and head of amateur scouting Trevor Timmins from their time together with the Ottawa Senators. Brochu's take: It's believed that negotiations have been going on for some time to release Martin from his GM job with the Florida Panthers, which was extended last year to 2011-2012. Rumors are swirling that the Panthers are up for sale and are trying to shed payroll in anyway, so it could be an interesting situation this summer.

According to CKNW radio in Vancouver, there's a rumor that the Vancouver Canucks would send defenseman Sami Salo and forward prospect Jannik Hansen to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson. Brochu's take: Johnson wants out of LA, but I think the fans in Vancouver remember Johnson from the World Juniors.

The Ottawa Senators have signed free agent forward Ryan Keller to a one-year, two-way contract. The 25-year old has spent the past two seasons with the Espoo Blues of the Finnish SM-Liiga.

The New Jersey Devils have re-signed forward Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond. No contract details were announced.