NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 27, 2008

Sorry about the delay! But I promise there will be another post tonight, and I will be blogging late into the night if there are any trades once the NHL Christmas trade freeze ends tonight at midnight.

According to Canada.com, the Montreal Canadiens have discussed with hockey officials in France about playing a game there in the next two seasons, most likely in the 2010-2011 season. Donald Beauchamp, vice-president of communications with the Canadiens, confirmed that director-general of the Federation de Francaise Hockey sur Glace Eric Ropert met with team president Pierre Boivin in Montreal in September. The schedule is at the discretion of the NHL, but a game in Paris is possible in two years. Source

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that the Blue Jackets are in trade talks with six or seven teams, and their greatest need is an offensive centre. "I still think we can make the playoffs with the team we have now," GM Scott Howson said. "But we are trying to tweak the roster for sure. We've had conversations (with other general managers) over the past week." Brochu's take: Rumors are that he could be looking at New York Islanders forward Mike Comrie. Source

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Senators GM Bryan Murray is at the World Junior Hockey Championships and furiously discussing trade with several teams. Garrioch believes it's inevitable that forward Jason Spezza's name will pop up. Brochu's take: Ain't gonna happen, Bruce. Unless the Sens go into a death spiral, I don't see Spezza going anywhere.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 8, 2008

The Montreal Canadiens have denied a report in a Montreal newspaper that the team was up for sale and billionaire Jim Balsillie was interested in buying the team. Balsillie has issued an apology to the Canadiens for any misunderstandings he might have caused, and has flatly denied the rumour.

Mike Brophy of Sportsnet reported a player in the Dallas Stars team has told him that no one in the organization other than GM Brett Hull wanted Sean Avery on their team. Hull recently defended his decision to sign Avery, which has caused a split in the dressing room. Brochu's take: Mike Modano's recent comments would add fuel to that fire. How long will it take NHL GMs to realize that Avery causes more headaches than positives?

The Los Angeles Kings have re-claimed forward Matt Ellis off waivers from the Buffalo Sabres.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forward Dany Roussin has left the ECHL Bakersfield Condors (Los Angeles Kings affiliate) and signed with HC Briançon in France. Brochu's take: Roussin was once Sidney Crosby's linemate with the Rimouski Oceanic, and put up huge numbers. He's never been able to translate those numbers into the NHL or at the pro level.