Latest NHL Signings XXI

The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded forward Radim Vrbata to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Todd Fedoruk and defenseman David Hale. Brochu's take: Vrbata goes back to where he has played his best hockey. But the more interesting question is that now all the other 29 NHL teams are paying for his salary.

The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed defenseman Boris Valabik. Terms were not disclosed.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed goalie Brent Johnson to a 1-year, $525,000 contract.

The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed forward Tomas Plekanec to a 1-year, $2.75 million. Brochu's take: Don't be surprised if Plekanec gets traded this year, as his name has been in the rumor mill often.

The New York Rangers have re-signed forward Enver Lisin to a 1-year, $800,000 contract.

The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed defenseman Denis Grebeshkov to a 1-year, $3.15 million contract.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed 2009 NHL Entry Draft 1st round pick John Moore to a 3-year, entry-level contract. The BJs have also signed defenseman Marc Methot to a two-year, $2 million deal and forward Michael Blunden to a one-year, two-way contract.

Canucks offer Sundin 2 year, $20 million

TSN is reporting that up to four teams have made offers to Mats Sundin, including the Vancouver Canucks who have made a two-year, $20 million contract with a no trade clause. Brochu's take: Fans in Vancouver must be screaming for the return of Dave "Sensible" Nonis. Source

According to the Fan 590 radio station, the Pittsburgh Penguins have made an approach to Jaromir Jagr.

The Columbus Dispatch blog "Puck-rakers" is reporting the the Blue Jackets have made offers to Wade Redden and Kristian Huselius, and are waiting for a response.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed restricted free agent Andrei Kostitsyn to a three-year, $9.75 million contract extension.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed goalie Ty Conklin to a one year, $750,000 contract.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed goaile Andrew Raycroft to a one year deal. Terms were not disclosed.

The Washington Capitals have signed goalie Jose Theodore to a two-year, $9 million contract.

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed defenseman Kurt Sauer to a four-year, $7 million contract. The 'Yotes also signed forward Todd Fedoruk to a three-year deal. Terms were not disclosed.

The Pittsburgh Penguins re-sign defenseman Mark Eaton to a two-year, $2 million contract.

Oilers to look for grit in offseason?

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers may try to get grittier in the off-season, and there are several options. Due to be unrestricted free agents are Florida Panthers forward Wade Belak, San Jose Sharks forward Jody Shelley, Nashville Predators tough guy Darcy Hordichuk and Minnesota Wild enforcer Todd Fedoruk. Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed goaltending prospect James Reimer to a three-year entry level contract. Source

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forwards Rob Bellamy and Matt Clackson to entry level contracts. The Flyers also officially announced the signing of Michael-Lee Teslak, which was reported on this blog yesterday. Their NHL contracts do not kick in until July 1, 2008. Source

The St. Louis Blues have signed forward Julian Talbot to a contract. Talbot had been playing for the Blues AHL affiliate in Peoria this season, scoring 20 goals and 21 assists in 65 games. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

According to European sources, St. Louis Blues goaltender Hannu Toivonen may be signing with HPK of the Finnish SM-liiga. Toivonen is due to be a RFA at the end of the season.

Trade winds blowing in Minnesota

GM Doug Risebrough of the Minnesota Wild is not happy about his team, who have lost 9 of the last 13 games. Risebrough wants his team to play a grittier style, which explains his move yesterday. The Wild claimed Todd Fedoruk on re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars on Thursday, picking up half his salary in the process. In an interview with Star Tribune reporter Michael Russo, assistant GM Tom Lynn said, "The general manager is not happy where we are right now, so he’s made this move (Fedoruk). Some guys will have to step up or there will be other moves.” Source

In other Wild news, Swiss newspaper "Blick" is claiming that Petteri Nummelin has already signed a contract with HC Lugano for next season, and the only question is if he will join the team in the January transfer period. Source

The Washington Capitals have fired head coach Glen Hanlon. Bruce Boudreau, the head coach of Washington's AHL affilate Hershey Bears, has been named the team's interim head coach.

Several sources in Sweden have speculated that Teemu Selanne may be signing with Leksands IF in Sweden. Selänne has been apparently spotted in Leksand, where Ed Belfour is currently playing. Source

Poll Results:

Do you think Peter Forsberg will retire?

Yes	55 (60%)
No	18 (19%)
Don't Care	18 (19%)

Total Votes: 91

Aebischer signs with HC Lugano - official

David Aebischer has officially signed with HC Lugano of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Aebischer has signed a contract that will see him play with Lugano until the end of the 2011-2012 season. The Phoenix Coyotes have officially released him from his contract. Source

According to the Dallas Morning News Stars blog, scouts from 6 teams were at Wednesday's game between the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks. These teams were the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Atlanta Thrashers, Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers. Three of these teams have games against the Stars next week. Rumors of more trades continue to swirl in Dallas. Source

Todd Fedoruk has also been called up on re-entry waivers. The Stars are hoping someone will pick him up.

Jamie McLennan and Tyson Nash have signed with the Nippon Paper Cranes of the Asian League Ice Hockey (ALIH). McLennan had left his team in Russia to return to Canada earlier this season, while Nash remained an unsigned UFA. The Nippon Paper Cranes, who may have the best team name in world hockey, play in Kushiro, Japan. Source

The San Jose Sharks locked up Matt Carle after signing the defenseman to a four-year contract extension worth $13.75 million on Wednesday.

Ducks scouting Naslund, McCabe for Hossa?

According to a source who attended the Canucks-Flames game on Sunday night, several Anaheim Ducks scouts were watching the game and keeping a close eye on Markus Naslund. GM Brian Burke is still looking for a top-6 forward and may want to bring in someone that he's familiar with.

Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun is reporting a trade rumour he heard at the game on Saturday between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators at the Air Canada Centre. Brennan heard a "juicy" rumor that the Leafs would send much-maligned defenseman Bryan McCabe to the Atlanta Thrashers for Marian Hossa. Source

Todd Fedoruk has been placed on waivers by the Dallas Stars. Perhaps there will be more moves to come as trade rumors swirl around Dallas. Source