NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 29, 2009

The Pittsburgh Penguins have dropped the "interim" part of head coach Dan Bylsma's job title and has signed him to a multi-year contract extension.

The NHL has loaned an unknown amount of money to the Phoenix Coyotes for payroll and rent payments. The Arizona Republic online edition reported if the team fails to pay its debt, the league can take it over, according to financial records filed with Maricopa County Recorder's Office. Brochu's take: Rumors are flying that the Coyotes could possibly just fold under the economic downturn. I think Gary Bettman should bury the hatchet with Jim Balsillie and let him in. Source

With the Calgary Flames' first round playoff exit, comes the finger-pointing. There are already rumors that coach Mike Keenan will be fired, and GM Darryl Sutter's position will be analyzed and evaluted thoroughly by the Flames' ownership. New Jersey Devils coach Brent Sutter has been continually linked to a return to Alberta, but he remains under contract.

According to the Edmonton Journal, the Edmonton Oilers have asked for permission to speak to former New York Rangers head cooach Tom Renney about their vacant coaching job. Renney has a history with Oilers GM Steve Tambellini, when they both worked for the Vancouver Canucks. Brochu's take: Tambellini will take his time. If anything, I think he will lean to a younger coach who has shown success at the AHL level. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Buffalo Sabres forward Tyler Bouck has signed with ERC Ingolstadt of the DEL for the 2009-2010 season. Source

There's a rumor that Anaheim Ducks forward Petteri Wirtanen will leave the organization and sign with Timra of the Swedish Elite League. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Aug 9, 2008

The National Post is reporting that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher is waiting for a list of teams that defenseman Bryan McCabe is willing to waive his no trade clause for. Fletcher has stated that McCabe has "softened his stance". Source

The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Teppo Numminen and forward Tyler Bouck to one-year contracts.

The Calgary Flames have re-signed forward Cam Cunning.

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed center Pascal Pelletier to a one-year contract.

The Florida Panthers have signed forward Janis Sprukts to a two-year contract. Sprukts spent last season with Finnish team Lukko.

The Carolina Hurricanes have invited forward Jeff O'Neill to a try-out contract.

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed forward Adam Perry to a contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Vancouver Canucks forward Byron Ritchie has signed with Swiss Nationalliga A club Geneve-Servette for the 2008-2009 season.