NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 24, 2009

In a press conference Thursday, Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey lashed out at Tampa Bay Lightning GM Brian Lawton for releasing the names of the players involved in a possible deal for Vincent Lecavalier. "The second half of our season was when things started to go off course and I felt the first place was when we had discussions with Tampa Bay. We had an agreement with them that I got a call early in January with a list of names from their team that they wanted to talk about, and those players ended up public because they used those names to take them to other teams to see if they could create a different trade for Vincent Lecavalier," Gainey said. "I think it was disgraceful that Josh Gorges and Tomas Plekanec and Chris Higgins have to read that stuff." Brochu's take: Lawton has denied all the speculation. It's going to be interesting in Montreal this summer, as there could be possibly a new owner, GM, coach and roster. Source

Speculation has started again about another NHL team in the Greater Toronto Area, with former player Kevin Maguire leading a group of business executives in a meeting with NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly. A Globe and Mail story is reporting that Daly told the Vaughn, Ontario group that the NHL is not interested in expansion or relocation at this moment. Brochu's take: This should be the biggest no-brainer in the world, but as long as Gary Bettman is in charge, we won't see another team in Toronto.

The San Jose Sharks have signed free agent Kevin Henderson to an entry-level contract. Henderson has spent the past two seasons with the University of New Brunswick in the CIS. Source

Look for my European update sometime later this week, it will highlight players from Europe that are rumored to be signing with NHL teams.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 13, 2009

Speculation around the NHL and hockey world is growing about the possibility of the Tampa Bay Lightning trading forward Vincent Lecavalier. Bob McKenzie notes that it's up to Lecavalier if he wants to stay in Tampa, or be traded. His no trade clause does not kick in until July 1st. McKenzie also noted that the the proposed deal with the Montreal Canadiens includes Tomas Plekanec, Chris Higgins, Josh Gorges, prospect P.K. Subban and a package of draft picks (including a first rounder ). Source

La Presse is also reporting that the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers could be interested. Brochu's take: Forget the Rangers, their lack of salary cap space is what prevented Mats Sundin from signing there. The Kings and Oilers have the cap room, but do they have the assets? Rumours are that any package from the Oilers would have to include forwards Shawn Horcoff and Rob Schremp. The Lightning would also like Alexander Frolov from LA. Source

ESPN's Scott Burnside reports the Phoenix Coyotes were penalized 25% of their portion of the revenue-sharing pot last season. Teams can only collect their share of the revenue-sharing money if they attain certain revenue and attendance targets. Also, the Coyotes last week laid off 18 staff members, approximately 10% of their staff. Rumors of contraction have spread through the league as well. Brochu's take: The CBC Hotstove panel were discussing the possibility ( and implementation) of the dispersal draft already! Before we talk about the "c" word, I believe the league and NHL will do everything possible to relocate the franchise first.

The Florida Panthers have placed defenseman Cory Murphy on waivers.

NHL free agent signings for July 9, 2008

Former Ottawa Senators goalie Ray Emery has signed a one-year deal with Atlant Mytishchi of the new Russian Continental Hockey League. The deal is reportedly worth in excess of $2 million plus bonuses. Brochu's take: This was pretty obvious as none of the teams looking for goaltending even went near the guy. Maybe he can get his act together and come back to the NHL in 2009-2010.

The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Sergei Fedorov to a one-year, $4 million contract.

The Caps also signed forward Brooks Laich to a three-year, $6.2 million contract extension.

The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed defenseman Josh Gorges to a three-year contract.

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to a three-year, $9.3 million contract extension.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed centre Michael Peca to a one-year, $1.315 million contract. The BJs also signed defenseman Andrey Plekhanov to a two-year contract and defenseman Clay Wilson and left wing John Vigilante to one-year contracts.

The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed forward Chad LaRose to a one-year, $875,000 contract extension.

The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed forward Jean-Francois Jacques to a two-year contract.