Hockey and NHL Rumors for Sept 14, 2010

Edmonton Oilers' GM Steve Tambellini issued a statement Monday night letting the media know that defenseman Sheldon Souray was not welcome at training camp. "We've been trying to move the player for some time obviously," Tambellini explained, "I hope to get it done during camp, but it's best for the Oilers for him not to be at camp right now." Souray is still skating in Edmonton for the time being, awaiting his future. Source Brochu's take: This is turning into an ugly situation for both sides. Souray's trade value is very low, and no one took a chance on him when he on waivers earlier this summer. Demotion to the AHL is a possibility, but perhaps a clean break would be best for both the Oilers organization and Souray.

The NHL has punished the New Jersey Devils for deliberately circumventing the salary cap in their first attempt at signing forward Ilya Kovalchuk. The Devils will be fined $3 million (which will not affect their cap ) and their third round draft pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. The Devils will also have to forfeit one of their next four first round draft picks at their choosing. Source Brochu's take: The NHL looks really bad on this one, considering they let the other long-term deals pass and chose this one to reject. The final cost of signing and landing Kovalchuk appears to have cost the Devils Patrice Cormier, Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, a 1st rounder in 2010, a future first-rounder, and $3 million.

Interestingly enough, the Atlanta Thrashers have signed restricted free agent forward Niclas Bergfors to a one-year, $900, 000.

The Philadelphia Flyers have invited forward Bill Guerin to training camp.

The Vancouver Canucks have invited forward Peter Schaefer to training camp.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 30, 2009

** Hell of a time for Blogger to crap out on me! Look for my updates on the Twitter gadget on your right or find me on Twitter @Brochuishockey ***

According to Mark Spector of Sportsnet, there's a rumor that the Calgary Flames will trade defenseman Dion Phaneuf to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Dany Heatley. Brochu's take: I think Phaneuf is staying in Calgary, since his old coach Brent Sutter is there now. Source

Spector is also saying that the Edmonton Oilers are considering sending defenseman Sheldon Souray to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for blueliner Jack Johnson, and a few "other pieces." Brochu's take: Souray's been rumored to want out of Edmonton, but I think he actually enjoys playing there. I don't think GM Steve Tambellini would want someone of Johnson's questionable character traits on his team.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed forward Bill Guerin to a one-year, $2 million contract extension.

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forwards Mike Weaver and Brad Winchester to one-year, $800,000 contracts.

The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed goalie Peter Budaj to a one-year contract.

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed defenseman Rob Blake to a one-year, $3.5 million contract extension. Source

Trade deadline wrap-up, Part 4

Part 4:

The Phoenix Coyotes traded goalie Mikael Tellqvist to the the Buffalo Sabres for a 4th round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired defenceman Andy Wozniewski from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for blueliner Danny Richmond.

The New York Islanders traded forward Bill Guerin to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a conditional draft pick. The draft pick that Pittsburgh gives up will start as a fifth-round pick. If Pittsburgh makes the playoffs, it increases to a fourth-rounder. If they get to the second round, it becomes to a third round pick. Brochu's take: Finally! Guerin's saga is finally over today. It would seem that the Capitals had pulled out of the deal early on, and that's why it's dragged on.

Patrick O'Sullivan was originally shipped along with a second round draft pick in 2009 from the Los Angeles Kings to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward Justin Williams. Brochu's take: This trade had been rumored late last night.

The ‘Canes then turned around and dealt O'Sullivan and the draft pick they received from the King to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Erik Cole and a 5th round pick in 2009. Brochu's take: Cole never really panned out in Edmonton, as he unable to match his stats from his Carolina days.

The Edmonton Oilers also acquired forward Ales Kotalik from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2nd round pick in 2009. Brochu's take: Wait, the Sabres and Oilers made a deal? So much for the frostiness between the two teams since the Thomas Vanek offer sheet affair. Mind you, Kevin Lowe is no longer the Oilers GM.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 2, 2009

Bill Guerin's destination and status remains a hot topic in the NHL. As of Sunday night, no deal is done, but according to Darren Dreger of TSN, the "mystery" team is still waiting to sign off the deal. Guerin has already agreed to waive his no trade clause, and it appears an official announcement will come on Monday. Brochu's take: There's also the possibility the deal will fall through, but regardless, a decision will be expected on Monday.

Tim Sassone of the Chicago Herald believes that the Chicago Blackhawks were offering forward Jack Skille around the league in the hopes of landing a centre and a defenseman. The 'Hawks are also believed to be offering defensemen Cam Barker and James Wisniewski, if the right deal came along. Brochu's take: Barker's been on the block for most of this season. The Hawks are in a very similiar position as the Pittsburgh Penguins of last year, and may think a big trade will put them over the top. Source

Larry Brooks of the New York Post believes that Rangers forward Blair Betts is available and the Detroit Red Wings are interested. Source

The Columbus Dispatch blog "Puck-rakers" is reporting a rumor that the Ottawa Senators will trade forward Antoine Vermette to the Blue Jackets in exchange for goalie Pascal Leclaire. Writer Aaron Portzline believes that there's a 50-50 chance that Vermette will be traded. Brochu's take: This would be a good "hockey" trade, as the Sens need a goalie desperately and Vermette could be used as a second line centre. Source

Rumors continue to swirl that the Tampa Bay Lightning will trade Gary Roberts to the Calgary Flames. Roberts and teammate Mark Recchi have been made available by the Bolts. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 1, 2009

Speculation is rampant late tonight that the New York Islanders have finalized a trade with an Eastern Conference team, and forward Bill Guerin has agreed to waive his no trade clause. Chris Botta of the Islanders blog "Islanders Point Blank" is reporting that a deal is all but done and should be confirmed Sunday. Brochu's take: The rumor is that the Washington Capitals is his destination, but there's also speculation that it could be the Montreal Canadiens. I guess we'll know when the NHL offices open tomorrow. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that defenseman Derek Morris has given Phoenix Coyotes GM Don Maloney a list of teams he would be willing to lift his no-trade clause to join. In the meantime, Morris plans to sit out and not play for risk of injury. Source

Pierre LeBrun has made a post on his ESPN blog about the latest trade rumors, I will just go over the names that have not appeared previously:

The St. Louis Blues are interested in re-acquiring Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger. Brochu's take: They have the cap space, but I would imagine they would have to trade of their good young defensive prospects and more to get him back.

The Boston Bruins may be targeting Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle and Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris, as they are no longer in the Pronger hunt.

LeBrun reports that impending UFA Alex Burrows could be moved by the Vancouver Canucks if he hasn't signed an extension by the trade deadline. Brochu's take: I don't agree. I think they will keep him even if he doesn't sign at the deadline, and I expect a deal to be hammered before he reaches free agency.

Five teams have expressed interest in Phoenix forward Olli Jokinen.

The Detroit Red Wings are very interested in Colorado Avalanche forward Ian Laperriere, and several teams have inquired about forward Milan Hejduk. Brochu's take: I would imagine Hejduk would make any team that much more dangerous. Laperriere would provide a veteran presence.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jamal Mayers is now on the trading block.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 28, 2009

Speculation continues to swirl that the Anaheim Ducks are willing to deal Chris Pronger at the trade deadline. The TSN Tradecentre panel reported that the Boston Bruins are very interested, as well as the San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils are the frontrunners for his services. There's rumors that the Ducks would want a package that would involve players such as Patrice Bergeron, Phil Kessel and Joe Colborne. Brochu's take: A defensive pair of Chara-Pronger would be downright scary. If the Bruins really believe that this is their year, than Pronger would be a fantastic addition, but he won't come cheap.

Ray Ferraro of TSN is also reporting that there's a rumor that the Philadelphia Flyers would package Joffrey Lupul and Randy Jones for Pronger. Brochu's take: Unless the Flyers have $6 million in imaginary cap space, I don't see this happening.

Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin has been scouting the Flyers very closely lately, and was present at Friday's game between the Flyers and Montreal Canadiens. It's believed that both teams are interested in acquiring Jay Bouwmeester, and Martin is most likely scouting potential players. Brochu's take: Martin wants players that will help his team now, so I guess that's why he's been following the Flyers so closely.

According to TSN, New York Islanders forward Bill Guerin is willing to waive his no trade clause if the right deal came. Brochu's take: His game has really dropped the last few years. He may get some interest, but the value in return will be low. Source

The Florida Panthers have sent defenseman Nick Boynton home and will not accompany the team's three game road trip. There have been rumors GM Jacques Martin was even thinking of waiving Boynton. Martin confirmed that Boynton had been sent home for discipline but wouldn't go into further detail. Brochu's take: There's probably a good chance he will be traded. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 27, 2009

According to Sportsnet, the Ottawa Senators will either trade Martin Gerber or send him to the AHL on Tuesday. GM Bryan Murray confirmed that one team has had interest in Gerber, and that team is believed to be the Calgary Flames, who are looking for some goalie insurance. Brochu's take: Murray noted that he didn't want to take much salary back. The Sens may have to sweeten the deal with a draft pick.

The Chicago Daily Herald is reporting that the Blackhawks could be looking to add some veteran depth to their lineup. Possible targets could be New York Islanders forwards Bill Guerin, Mike Sillinger and Doug Weight, Los Angeles Kings forward Kyle Calder, Senators forward Chris Neil, and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nik Antropov. Brochu's take: The Islanders are rumored to be conducting a fire sale, so all those forwards could be had. Not sure why the Hawks would look at Calder again, since he hasn't done much in LA. Source

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is that Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke will make a "hard run" at Florida Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester.

Boston.com is reporting that the Boston Bruins could be after Bouwmeester as well, but it would cost either forwards Milan Lucic or Blake Wheeler to get him. The Bruins are looking for a top-4 defenseman. Brochu's take: If they trade Lucic, there will be a riot in Boston. And Wheeler is signed to a nice deal, and you just don't give up on young assets in today's NHL salary world. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 6, 2009

According to former New York Islanders VP of Public Relations Chris Botta, veteran forwards Doug Weight and Bill Guerin could be traded to bring back draft picks or young players to the Isles. However, GM Garth Snow has a "gentleman's agreement" with the players, so they would likely have to approve any trades. Weight has previously stated that he doesn't want to move anywhere in the middle of the season. Botta speculates that forward Mike Comrie and defenseman Brendan Witt could also bring back good assets. Brochu's take: The rumor is that Weight could be headed to the Columbus Blue Jackets, while the Colorado Avalanche are interested in Comrie. Source

The Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch website is reporting that Blue Jackets ownership has given permission to spend more money on adding players to the lineup. Writer Aaron Portzline is reporting that a deal will likely happen in the next week or so. GM Scott Howson has contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Atlanta Thrashers and New York Islanders, along with several teams. Brochu's take: Portzline adds that the Blue Jackets are looking at Pavel Kubina, Tomas Kaberle, Nik Antropov, Antoine Vermette, Jordan Staal and Doug Weight very closely. Source