Hockey and NHL Rumors for Sept 14, 2010

Edmonton Oilers' GM Steve Tambellini issued a statement Monday night letting the media know that defenseman Sheldon Souray was not welcome at training camp. "We've been trying to move the player for some time obviously," Tambellini explained, "I hope to get it done during camp, but it's best for the Oilers for him not to be at camp right now." Souray is still skating in Edmonton for the time being, awaiting his future. Source Brochu's take: This is turning into an ugly situation for both sides. Souray's trade value is very low, and no one took a chance on him when he on waivers earlier this summer. Demotion to the AHL is a possibility, but perhaps a clean break would be best for both the Oilers organization and Souray.

The NHL has punished the New Jersey Devils for deliberately circumventing the salary cap in their first attempt at signing forward Ilya Kovalchuk. The Devils will be fined $3 million (which will not affect their cap ) and their third round draft pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. The Devils will also have to forfeit one of their next four first round draft picks at their choosing. Source Brochu's take: The NHL looks really bad on this one, considering they let the other long-term deals pass and chose this one to reject. The final cost of signing and landing Kovalchuk appears to have cost the Devils Patrice Cormier, Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, a 1st rounder in 2010, a future first-rounder, and $3 million.

Interestingly enough, the Atlanta Thrashers have signed restricted free agent forward Niclas Bergfors to a one-year, $900, 000.

The Philadelphia Flyers have invited forward Bill Guerin to training camp.

The Vancouver Canucks have invited forward Peter Schaefer to training camp.