NHL and hockey rumors for May 26, 2008

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that the New York Rangers could be interested in restricted free agent Joni Pitkanen. Jim Matheson also suggests that the Carolina Hurricanes could be a better trade partner if they package Erik Cole and a draft pick. Brochu's take: The Oilers are going to think hard about trading Pitkanen this summer. As for the Cole thing, any writer can speculate about that. Source

Matheson also reports that the Nashville Predators will try to trade goalie Chris Mason once Dan Ellis has been re-signed.

The Palm Beach Post is reporting that Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach Andre Savard will be the new head coach of the Florida Panthers. The same article is also reporting that Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster will move to a lesser role at the club, while coach John Tortorella will be fired and Barry Melrose will take over. Source

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Toronto Maple Leafs were denied permission to speak to Joe Nieuwendyk about a position with the Leafs. Nieuwendyk resigned in April, leaving his position with the Panthers as a special assistant to the general manager. Source

The Dallas Stars have agreed to sign coach Dave Tippett to a three-year contract extension.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Dick Axelsson and defenseman Logan Pyett to three-year, entry-level contracts.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Evgeny Artyukhin to a two-year deal. He will officially sign on July 1, as he is still considered a restricted free agent.

There's a rumor that Nashville Predators defenseman Janne Niskala could be playing for Russian team Atlant (K. Mytischy) for the 2008-2009 season. Source

NHL rumors for April 5, 2008

According to the Pipeline Show Blog, Edmonton Oilers prospect Rob Schremp has been given an offer to play in Finland. Earlier in the week, it was rumored that Swedish teams were talking to his agent, but that was denied. However, there have been approaches from a SM-Liiga team to Schremp's Sweden representative. Brochu's take: If Schremp does take an offer from Europe, I can see the Oilers trading his rights. Source

Edmonton Journal writer Curtis Stock reported on his blog that the Calgary Flames are rumoured to have re-signed forward Daymond Langkow to a 4-year, $20 million contract. The contract also involves a no trade clause. Stock also reported that this effectively ends Kristian Huselius's tenure in Calgary. The Oilers are reported interested in signing Huselius. Brochu's take: Langkow was one of the top centres in the potential UFA market. However, the Flames are starting to get near their cap for next year and rumors will fly about who will get traded. As for Huselius, he could get $5-5.5 million on the open market. Source

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Justin Abdelkader to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Wings are also rumored to be signing prospects Anton Axelsson, Dick Axelsson and Daniel Larsson.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Andreas Nodl and defenseman Michael Ratchuk to entry-level contracts on Friday. Both will report to the AHL Philadelphia Phantoms.

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed goaltender Joe Fallon of the University of Vermont to an entry-level contract.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed free agent forward Stefano Giliati to a three-year, entry-level contract.