NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 10, 2008

The Vancouver Canucks have traded defenseman James Sharrow to the Chicago Blackhawks for a conditional pick in the 2009 NHL Entry draft.

Speculation continues to surround about the future of Florida Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. There have been trade rumors that he may be headed to the Ottawa Senators, but GM Bryan Murray has stated he has not talked to GM Jacques Martin since the beginning of the season. Brochu's take: It's a matter of when he will be traded this season, as the Panthers are wallowing in the bottom of their conference. Source

The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Eric Tangradi to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-assigned forward Radim Vrbata to his hometown team BK Mlada Boleslav, who are in the Czech Extraliga. Vrbata cleared waivers Tuesday. Brochu's take: An almost win-win situation. The Bolts get the underachieving forward off their cap, while Vrbata gets to escape the gongshow in Tampa.

Avangard Omsk of the KHL has cancelled the contract of ex-NHLer John Grahame. This was a reaction to allegations of alcohol abuse by Grahame, highlighted by an incident in an Omsk nightclub last week involving Grahame. Source

The KHL have ruled in favor of Russian forward Sergei Zinovjev and has allowed him to become a free agent. Ak Bars Kazan was found to have illegally cutting Zinovjev's salary. Source

Brochu's take: Just in case you are wondering, both Zinovjev and Grahame would have to clear waivers if they were to sign with an NHL team, as both have played games with their respective clubs already.

NHL and hockey rumors for May 17, 2008

Detroit Red Wings are expected to sign forward Logan Pyett to a three-year, entry-level contract. Source

Peter Laviolette will be back for a fifth season coaching the Carolina Hurricanes. GM Jim Rutherford said Friday that the team would retain the coach who in 2006 led the Hurricanes to their only Stanley Cup. Speculation swirled for the past month about Laviolette's future after Carolina missed the playoffs in both seasons after its championship run. Brochu's take: Laviolette may get one more year, but if his team doesn't make the playoffs, he'll be let go.

The 'Canes have also signed defenseman Brett Bellemore a three-year, entry level contract. The entry-level deal will pay the 2007 draft pick an average of $500,000 per season at the NHL level and $55,000 per season in the minor leagues. The sixth-round pick also will receive a $100,000 signing bonus. Source

The Florida Panthers have re-signed GM Jacques Martin to a long-term deal. He will remain the GM through the 2011-12 season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Keven Veilleux to an entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Carolina Hurricanes goalie John Grahame has signed a two-year contract with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League (RSL). Brochu's take: Grahame's play has really tailed off the last few years. Maybe he can get his game back in Russia. Source

According to Russian paper Sport-express, Minnesota Wild forward Chris Simon has signed a one-year contract with Russian club Vityaz. Source

German sources are reporting a rumor that the Nashville Predators are interested in signing forward Florian Busch. Busch was involved in a doping scandal at the current IIHF World Championships. Source

Swedish reports are saying that the Buffalo Sabres are close to signing goalie Jhonas Enroth to a contract. Source

Poll Results:

Do you think Dave Nonis will become the new Leafs GM?

Yes	41 (39%)
No	64 (60%)

Total Votes: 105

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