Latest NHL Signings! Part XIX Swedish edition

Here's the long overdue version of Brochu's European rumor roundup: (with a focus on players coming in/out of Sweden to NHL teams.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Mika Pyorala to a 1-year, $500,000. Brochu's take: Pyorala is one of those European free agents to keep an eye on.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Andreas Engqvist to a three-year deal.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Rickard Wallin to a one-year contract and goalie Jonas Gustavsson to a 1-year, $900,000. Brochu's take: Gustavsson was the most talked about European free agent this summer, and will be given a chance to back up Toskala in T.O.

Montreal Canadiens forward Yanick Lehoux has left the organization and signed with Swedish club Sodertalje.

Anaheim Ducks forward Josh Green and Minnesota Wild defenseman Tomas Mojzis have both signed deals with Modo.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 9, 2009

According to TSN, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly admits that Jim Balsillie's bid for the Phoenix Coyotes caught league officials by surprise and says there have been three offers to keep the team in Arizona. "He makes his own decisions and he's making a decision that this is the way he wants to get into the National Hockey League." Daly said. "We don't usually like to pick fights, but we end them." Daly was also named the temporary CEO of the Coyotes on Friday. In the meantime, the city of Hamilton has confirmed talks with Balsillie's camp, and expressed their interest in getting the Coyotes. Brochu's take: Get your popcorn ready, folks. It seems like this is Balsillie's Last Stand of getting an NHL franchise, and he's going to fight until the end. As for the NHL, did they not in early March claim they weren't in control of the Coyotes? And Daly's comments on owner Jerry Moyes seemed contradictory, since Moyes is looking for the best deal for himself, not the creditors. Source

The Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Erik Karlsson to a three-year, entry-level contract. Karlsson was the Sens' first round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Patrick Roy met with Colorado Avalanche president Pierre Lacroix on Thursday, but it's unknown what was discussed. Roy has been rumored to be coming back to the Avs organization in some fashion, possibly for the vacant GM job.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The three frontrunners to land Swedish free agent goalie Jonas "The Monster" Gustavsson appears to be the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and the Vancouver Canucks. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 13, 2009

The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed forward Johan Franzen to a 11-year, $43 million contract extension, with an annual $3.9 million salary cap hit. Brochu's take: The contract is front-loaded, with the last few years of the contract at around $1 million. These long term contracts do scare me though. We've seen a few now, but there's no knowing what these players will be 5-6 years down the road. Source

According to the New York Post, the New Jersey Devils are frontrunners to land free agent defenseman Matt Gilroy. Gilroy just won the NCAA championship this weekend with Boston University, and is now free to have contract talks with NHL teams. Source

Minnesota Wild coach Jacques Lemaire has stepped down as head coach. Lemaire has said he wants to remain in hockey and will seek another position in the NHL. He will not be returning to the Wild in any capacity. Brochu's take: There have been rumors that the players were no longer paying any attention to him. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Toronto Star is reporting that the Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars are the "leading contenders" to sign free agent goalie Jonas Gustavsson. Gustavsson led Farjestad to the Swedish Elite League title this season. The 6-foot-3, 24-year-old goalie had a 1.96 goals-against average and .932 save percentage in 42 games. Source

According to Russian sources, St. Louis Blues goalie Manny Legace has received offers from two KHL teams, but wants to secure an NHL job for the 2009-2010 season. Source

Reports in Sweden are saying that SEL club Rogle may be interested in signing San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Vesce for next season. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 14, 2009

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Phoenix Coyotes are not conducting a fire sale, but have let other NHL teams know that several players are available. Dreger mentions that forward Olli Jokinen, defenseman Derek Morris and defenseman Ed Jovanovski are up for grabs, if the right deal came along. The Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames are believed to be interested in Jokinen, while the Habs are also pursuing Morris. Brochu's take: It's not a trade deadline unless there's a Jokinen rumor! Dreger reports that there are definitely talks between the Coyotes and Habs, so you should probably keep an eye on the situation.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

There are reports from Sweden that several NHL teams are interested in goaltender Jonas Gustavsson. Scouts from the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets have been watching the young Swedish goalie. The 24-year old Gustavsson stars for Farjestad, and currently has a sparking .933 save percentage and 1.93 GAA in 37 games. Brochu's take: Another Swedish gem? Some have compared him to Henrik Lundqvist. Source