NHL and hockey rumors for June 17, 2008

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that the Senators could be big players in the trade market around the NHL Entry draft, which is held in Ottawa this year. There's already speculation that the St. Louis Blues could be interested in troubled goalie Ray Emery, and rumors are flying that the Sens could be interested in two of the most talked about players this offseason; San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau and Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen. It's also possible that the Senators would part with their draft pick. Brochu's take: Something could go down in the next week or so. Source

The Calgary Herald is bringing up the old Alex Tanguay for Olli Jokinen rumor again, and speculate that it could involve draft picks. Brochu's take: This rumor has been in the mill for the last year or so. However, Panthers' ownership has warmed up to the idea of trading Jokinen, so anything can happen. Source

Blake Wheeler has signed a two-year deal with the Boston Bruins, but it cannot be made official until July 1, in keeping with NHL bylaws that govern the movement and signing of unrestricted free agents. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed goalie Johan Hedberg to a multi-year contract extension.

The New York Rangers have signed Swedish free agent forward Andreas Jamtin to a contract.

The Nashville Predators have signed defenseman Ryan Suter to a four-year, $14 million contract extension.

NHL and hockey rumors for June 13, 2008

According to TSN, Craig Hartsburg will be introduced as the head coach of the Ottawa Senators on Friday. The Sault Star is reporting that the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds coach met with Sens owner Eugene Melnyk on Thursday and agreed to a 3 year deal. Kitchener Rangers' coach Peter DeBoer met Melnyk in Barbados Wednesday, but could not come to terms. Brochu's take: I'm not sure if Hartsburg is the right guy in Ottawa, but at least they have someone. Source

There are unconfirmed rumors that the Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed goaltender Johan Hedberg to a two-year contract extension worth $2.5 million.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Swedish club Timrå has an interest in Vancouver Canucks forward Byron Ritchie. In an interview with Dagbladet, Timra IK sport chief Stefan Lindqvist has approached Ritchie's agent about playing in Sweden. Source

According to Aftonbladet, the Colorado Avalanche have signed Swedish free agent forward Per Ledin to a one-year, $600,000 contract. Source

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jay Harrison has signed with EV Zug of the Swiss Nationalliga A for the 2008-2009 season. Source

There are rumors that KHL club Vityaz Poldolsk/Chekhov has made an approach for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Derrick Walser. Source

Trade Crosby?

Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is wondering aloud if the Pittsburgh Penguins should trade Sidney Crosby. Smizik rationalizes that the Pens are actually better without Sid the Kid in the lineup, and they could get a lot in return. Source

According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, the Montreal Canadiens were willing to send Christopher Higgins and their 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick in 2008 to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Mats Sundin. Simmons claims that Sundin's no trade clause nixed the deal. Source

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that Thrashers GM Don Waddell has no talks planned with any of their free agents, unrestricted or restricted. The Thrashers have eight potential unrestricted free agents on their roster including Mark Recchi, Johan Hedberg, Eric Boulton, Bobby Holik and Steve McCarthy. Goalie Kari Lehtonen is due to become an RFA this summer. Source