Dowd, Fitzpatrick, Grahame on waivers

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed centre Jim Dowd and defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick on NHL waivers Thursday. "At the end of the day, we felt it would give us more roster flexibility if they both clear," Flyers GM Paul Holmgren told the Philadelphia Inquirer from the world junior tournament in the Czech Republic. "It will allow us to do more things with our team, maybe even bring up a defenceman." Could a trade be coming soon? Source

The Carolina Hurricanes have placed goaltender John Grahame on waivers. Grahame is earning $1.4 million this season and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. "John Grahame didn't do anything wrong, he didn't get any support," GM Jim Rutherford said. "We're just giving another guy a chance here." The Hurricanes have called up Michael Leighton from the AHL Albany River Rats. Source

Metropolit invited to Bruins camp

Glen Metropolit has been invited to attend the Boston Bruins trading camp. Metropolit has been in discussions with the Bruins for a few weeks, according to the Swiss newspaper "Blick". If he doesn't get a contract with Boston, Nationalliga A teams SC Bern, HC Lugano and ZSC Lions have shown interest. Source

Other notable camp invitees are: Brent Sopel, Jassen Cullimore and Aaron Downey - Red Wings, Jim Dowd and Rory Fitzpatrick- Flyers, and David Tanabe - Hurricanes.

Janis Sprukts has signed in Finland with Rauman Lukko of the SM-liiga. Sprukts had just signed with Riga 2000, but this new contract only lasts for 4 months, and he may return to Latvia afterwards. Source

Mike Dunham has become the new goaltending coach for the New York Islanders. One thing about Islanders goalies is that they have good job security. Former backup Garth Snow becomes the GM, and Rick DiPietro got a 15-year contract. Could Wade Dubielewicz be the next Islanders coach? ;-)