Latest NHL signings! Part III

Update as of 2:30 PM PST

The Edmonton Oilers have signed goalie Nikolai Khabibulin to a 4-year, $15 million contract. Brochu's take: Very nice deal for the Oilers, who now have a solid no. 1 goalie.

The Calgary Flames have re-signed defenseman Adam Pardy.

The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed forward Erik Cole to a two-year, $5.8 million contract.

The Florida Panthers have signed goalie Scott Clemmensen to a three-year, $3.6 million contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Ian Laperriere to a three-year, $3.5 million contract.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Michael Rupp to a 2-year, $1.65 million contract.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenseman Hal Gill to a 2-year, $4.5 million contract.

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed defenseman Kent Huskins to a 2-year, $3.4 million contract.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed forward David Koci to a 1-year, $575,000 contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 24, 2008

In an interview with Russian newspaper Sport Express, Maxim Afinogenov denies that he will leave the Buffalo Sabres in mid-season, but is open to the idea of playing in the KHL after his contract expires. Afinogenov wants to the stay in the NHL, but looking at all offers. "It is probably the worst period in my career, and it is difficult to do anything when you play five minutes a game. But let’s see, the deadline is soon [4 March] and then something should happen." Afinogenov said. Brochu's take: Even Afinogenov recognizes that he will be traded soon. I expect a deal to be made closer to the deadline, which will maximize the return for Buffalo. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes franchise is in serious financial straits, and it's been rumored that the NHL will take over the team. Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes' trucking business has been hit hard by the economic meltdown, and it's been reported that the Coyotes's assets and revenue have been used as collateral for a major loan. Brochu's take: Before everyone calls for the franchise to return to Winnipeg, the existing lease with the city of Glendale pretty much prevents the team from relocating. However, the league is rumoured to be negotiating a change in that lease. Source

According to Rich Hammond of the LA Kings blog "Inside the Kings", the Kings were interested in acquiring Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, but the talks fell through earlier this week. Brochu's take: Khabibulin's strong play of late has made it hard for the Hawks to deal him. But at the same time, Khabby's value has been higher. Remember, he was on waivers earlier this season. Source

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph has played down rumors that he will retire after this season. Instead, he has concentrated on getting his games whenever possible. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 19, 2008

Sorry about the late update today, I will make another one tonight.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that GM Bryan Murray could be stepping up his pursuit of Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund, noting "Canucks GM Mike Gillis and assistant Lawrence Gilman were on the list of scouts for last night's Ottawa Senators-New York Rangers game". Brochu's take: Gillis did admit to looking at both the Sens and Rangers closely, noting their "makeup". Source

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough was scheduled to attend the recent Ottawa Senators-New York Rangers game but could not make it. "Ottawa and the Rangers are two teams that could make sense for a potential Marian Gaborik trade. Bryan Murray, Ottawa’s GM, loves making blockbusters, and Rangers GM Glen Sather is buddy buddy with Risebrough," writer Michael Russo wrote. Brochu's take: Nothing will be done until Gaborik comes back from injury, but this is something definitely to chew on. Source

Bob McKenzie of TSN reported on his blog that there are rumors that the Minnesota Wild are very close to trading forward Marian Gaborik.

McKenzie is also reporting that "the Chicago Blackhawks, according to multiple NHL sources, have a standing deal ready to go at a moment's notice to acquire veteran center Michael Nylander from the Washington Capitals." The rumble is that the Hawks will ship out goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, but there appears to be a shortage of suitors. Source

The St. Louis Blues have claimed forward BJ Crombeen off waivers from the Dallas Stars.

The Minnesota Wild have placed defenseman Tomas Mojzis on waivers. He has cleared.

The Detroit Red Wings have placed forward Darren McCarty on waivers. He has cleared.

The Blues have also placed forward David Koci on waivers.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 5, 2008

During TSN's broadcast of the NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators, analyst Bob McKenzie mentioned that Canucks defensemen Mattias Ohlund and Kevin Bieksa have both been in the rumor mill, and several teams have been asking if they are available. McKenzie suggests that teams with surplus offensive players, such as the Philadephia Flyers, could help out the Canucks, while at the same time shed some salary to fit free agent Brendan Shanahan. Brochu's take: McKenzie also mentioned the possibilty of a Joffrey Lupul or Jeff Carter moving. It will take a good package to pry those steady defenseman out of Vancouver.

According to the Sun Sentinel, Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin spoke about the Panthers’ tepid start and noted that he’s considering moving some veteran players who aren’t producing. “When I look at our performance so far, I don’t think it’s good enough,” Martin said. “We made some moves in the offseason and some of our players have to be better. Some of our veterans have to give us a better performance.” Brochu's take: Since there's not exactly a surplus of veterans on the Cats' roster, I would assume he is speaking about Richard Zednik and Jay Bouwmeester. Bouwmeester continues to be rumored to be headed on his way out of Florida. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed defenseman Janne Niskala on waivers.

Martin Gelinas has signed a two-week try-out contract with Swiss hockey club SC Bern. He will be given a chance to participate in the European Champions Hockey League and may earn a full contract. Brochu's take: The mainstream media has unfortunately forgot to mention that this is a two-week tryout. Bern will decide on November 24 if they will sign Gelinas long term. Source

The news of New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur possibly missing up to 4 months with elbow surgery has sparked rumors that they could be interested in Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin or Edmonton Oilers goalie Dwayne Roloson. Brochu's take: While Roloson is the cheaper option, Khabibulin could be a better fit. With Brodeur out for almost the entire regular season, Khabibulin's contract won't be that much of a burden.

Welcome to Brochu is Hockey, Mach II!

Hi everyone!

As you can see, Brochu is Hockey has a new look. It's been coming for a long time, and I hope you like it. It's a bit streamlined now, and I've optimized the site for widescreen monitors. Some of the links may not work, and some details need to be ironed out but overall, I think it looks really good. If some of you can't see the new look, I suggest clearing your cache. Feel free to leave a comment.

Thanks to everyone who have visited the site over the last few years! Hopefully, this new look will take Brochu is Hockey to the next level, whatever that is. ;-) Look out for new features in the next couple of weeks.

Now let's back to what you're here for, rumours!

Another Sunday edition of Bruce Garrioch's "Rumours Du Jour":

Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer (of CSI fame) has backed off on its interest in building an arena in Las Vegas and has pulled its bid off the table.

Brendan Shanahan could be headed to the Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche or the Carolina Hurricanes. Brochu's take: Rumor is that Shanny wants to stay in the East, so that rules out Colorado.

The Anaheim Ducks may be shopping forward Chris Kunitz in order to make room for Mats Sundin. Brochu's take: Kunitz is probably on the market, but there's not much interest in him.

"Expect to see the Sabres move [forward] Ales Kotalik, who is making $2.5 million, before the March 4 trade deadline." Brochu's take: They might, but again the market is not strong for underperforming forwards with big cap hits.

"[Vancouver Canucks GM Mike]Gillis was telling anybody who would listen last week he is not going to trade [defenseman] Mattias Ohlund. As I told Gillis in an e-mail, he can deny he won't deal Ohlund all he wants, but if he doesn't get him signed before the trade deadline, then a move is a strong possibility. Oddly enough, Gillis admitted that "teams have called" on all his players and that means there's interest. He can't deny that." Brochu's take: That could be said about any player that has an expiring contract this season! And I could say that all 29 teams have interest in Sidney Crosby, and there's "no denying that".

The Anaheim Ducks have apparently jumped into the Mats Sundin sweepstakes: Brochu's take: I'll file this under "SC", as in salary cap.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Senators are pushing hard for a puck-moving defenseman, and may be willing to part with a roster player. Garrioch suggests that the Sens could part with forward Mike Fisher or Antoine Vermette, who have both under-performed this season. Brochu's take: Fisher isn't going anywhere, but Vermette's name has been in the rumour mill for some time. Maybe the Hawks will come calling? Source

The "Between the Circles" blog on the Chicago Daily Herald website is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks are looking for a top-6 forward, preferrably a centre, and another defenseman. Tim Sassone suggests they could send goalie Nikolai Khabibulin and defenseman Cam Barker to the minors, but they have both played well. Brochu's take: Like Sassone said, the Hawks are pushing the cap as it is. Unless they trade someone off their roster or demote them to the minors, they won't be making any moves. Source

Weekend rumor roundup Oct 25-26, 2008

Here are some of the latest NHL and hockey rumors from CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, "The Hotstove":

Al Strachan reported that the Tampa Bay Lightning are in such a sad state that during their European games, co-owner Len Barrie came into the dressing room and started drawing plays and schemes on the board. Strachan also speculated that coach Barry Melrose has until November 15th to turn things around. Brochu's take: This is according to a player that spoke directly to Strachan.

Analyst Pierre LeBrun also reported that the Chicago Blackhawks have inquired about free agent forward Mats Sundin, and Strachan believes the Vancouver Canucks are still the frontrunners to land him.

Strachan also reported that the Montreal Canadiens turned down the Minnesota Wild's offer of trading Marian Gaborik, but still believed that they could be involved in a 3-way trade. LeBrun also reported that the Los Angeles Kings are interested in Gaborik, but only if he agrees to sign a long-term contract with them.

LeBrun also mentioned that contract negotiations between the Senators and forward Daniel Alfredsson are not going smoothly as previously thought.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the price of Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin has gone up, but the Ottawa Senators are still somewhat interested. Garrioch also reports of "talk" that the Canucks are shopping Mattias Ohlund. Brochu's take: There's still the little matter of fitting Khabibulin's big contract under the Sens salary cap. As for Ohlund, Garrioch must have fascination a with him, as he has been the only media person reporting the "rumor". Source

According to RDS, the Habs are no longer interested in Marian Gaborik and could be focusing their attention on Hawks forward Martin Havlat, who is due to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Brochu's take: Havlat has the same injury concerns as Gaborik, but won't command the same price. Source

Bob McKenzie of TSN mentioned in an interview on TEAM 1040 radio in Vancouver that the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers are the only real teams in the Mats Sundin sweepstakes. Brochu's take: Wake me up when Sundin actually signs.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 18, 2008

The Boston Bruins have signed forward Jordan Knackstedt to a contract. Terms were not disclosed.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed defenseman Matt Greene to a 5-year, $14.75 million contract extension that will begin next year. The Kings have also signed defenseman Andrew Campbell to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Vancouver Canucks have placed forward Kyle Wellwood on waivers.

The Colorado Avalanche have placed forward Scott Parker on waivers.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman David Tanabe has retired from hockey. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said today that the team had reached a settlement with the defenseman that will pay the former first-round draft pick $850,000 over the next three years. Source

According to Bob McKenzie on the Team 1040 radio, there are rumors that Tampa Bay Lightning ownership are not happy with the way coach Barry Melrose has been playing with Steven Stamkos playing time. There's also speculation that Melrose uses outdated tactics in practise and many of the players are "bored" with the same drills. Brochu's take: Make no mistake, owners Koules and Barrie are not patient people, and if Melrose doesn't get this team going, he's good as gone.

Rumors are still floating around that the Colorado Avalanche have some interest in Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 1, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenseman Sean O'Donnell to the Los Angeles Kings for a conditional pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: GM Brian Burke may not be done, as the Ducks are now under the salary cap but only by a few hundred thousand dollars.

The Edmonton Oilers have claimed defenceman Steve MacIntyre off waivers from the Florida Panthers.

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has cleared waivers. Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail suggests the Kings as a likely destination, with forward Michal Handzus going to the Hawks. Duhatschek also reports of Chicago's interest in Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander.

The Carolina Hurricanes have released forward Jeff O'Neill from training camp.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed forward Michel Ouellet on waivers.

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 30, 2008

The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded forward Nick Tarnasky to the Nashville Predators for a conditional pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Tampa Bay will receive a sixth-round pick that would turn into a fifth if Tarnasky plays at least 50 games.

The Chicago Blackhawks have placed goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin on waivers. There's speculation that he may also be traded if he clears. Khabibulin has a cap hit of $6.75 million cap hit this season. There's also an interesting rumor that he could be headed to Russia to play in the KHL. Brochu's take: Odds are that he won't be claimed. It would seem to be the trend for players with high contracts don't get picked up.

The New York Islanders have claimed defenseman Thomas Pock off waivers from the New York Rangers.

The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Jason Demers to a three-year contract.

There was a rumor this morning about billionaire Jim Balsille was "close" to a deal to buy the Predators. However, it was refuted by both sides, and the matter appears to be dead. Brochu's take: Read the article, and could someone explain what"scintilla" means?? Source

NHL and hockey rumors for July 16, 2008

Here's an actual rumor report, as opposed to a list of signings. A post about that will be posted tonight.

According to Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun, there are rumors of a three way trade between the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators. According to "insiders", Ottawa would trade goalie Martin Gerber and defenceman Andrej Meszaros to Los Angeles, the Kings would move forward Anze Kopitar to Chicago and the Blackhawks would send goalie Nikolai Khabibulin and either of defenseman Brent Seabrook or Cam Barker to the Senators. Brochu's take: A rumor that came from the Ottawa Sun and it's not from Bruce Garrioch? It's GOTTA be true! But seriously, this won't happen. Kopitar is part of the youth movement in LA, and Ottawa really doesn't get any better. The likelihood of the Hawks shopping one of their young D-men is well known. Source

There's also a rumor going in Vancouver circles that the Canucks would trade Kevin Bieksa to the Kings for Michal Handzus and a 3rd round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: Bieksa's been speculated to be"on the block" recently, but this doesn't really make sense from the Canucks part.

The Carolina Hurricanes are rumored to be interested in signing Jeff O'Neill to a two-way contract. It's believed that O'Neill is holding out for a one-way deal.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded winger Joakim Lindstrom to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional pick in the 2009 draft.

The Blackhawks have also signed defensemen Aaron Johnson and Doug Janik to one-year contracts, and re-signed center Colin Fraser to a one-year contract.

Blackhawks and Senators swapping goalies?

TSN is reporting a rumor that Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray and Chicago Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon were considering a crazy trade that would involve swapping goaltenders Martin Gerber and Ray Emery for Nikolai Khabibulin and Patrick Lalime.

The Detroit Red Wings have made several offers to their impending free agents. The Wings would like to sign forward Dan Cleary to a long-term deal for $2.5 million a season, but he could earn more on the open market. Defenseman Andreas Lilja has been offered a two-year deal worth a little more than $1 million a season. Defenseman Chris Chelios will be offered another one-year deal after the season.

The club hopes to sign forward Henrik Zetterberg to a long-term deal for five or seven years in the neighborhood of $7 million a season during the first week of July. He has one year left on a deal that averages $2.65 million a season and can't be signed to an extension until July 1. Source

There are rumours that Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller could be moving to another team next year. Miller does not seem to be in a hurry to negotiate. Miller earns $2.5 million this year, and will eran to $3.5 million next season, the last in his three-year deal. A report in The Buffalo News has suggested the goaltender would be looking for a six-year contract worth around $41 million. Source

The acquisition of Cristobal Huet by the Washington Capitals have upset goaltender Olaf Kolzig, who is a UFA this summer. "I guess I'll talk with my wife about what we want to do next year or the year after." said Kolzig. He will most likely move to a new team in the summer. Source

NHL trade rumor update Feb 26 3:00 AM EST

According to Bob McKenzie's blog on TSN.ca, the Chicago Blackhawks sent an email Monday night to the 29 other NHL teams indicating that 8 players were available. These 8 are Nikolai Khabibulin, Martin Havlat, Robert Lang, Tuomo Ruutu, Martin Lapointe, Yanic Perreault, Andrei Zyuzin, and Rene Bourque.

The NHL Experts Blog on Yahoo! is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning will send Brad Richards to the Dallas Stars for Mike Smith, forward Jeff Halpern and defenseman Mark Fistric. The same article quotes a "league executive" as the source. The article also makes the note that the Montreal Canadiens are about to land Atlanta Thrashers forward Marian Hossa, with Michael Ryder going to Atlanta. Rumors are flying that the Habs included young prospect Mikhail Grabovski in the deal. Source

Leftover NHL rumors from the weekend

There's been a lot of rumors over this weekend; here are some that didn't make the last post:

There's a rumour that the Ottawa Senators would like to trade goaltender Ray Emery to the Chicago Blackhawks for Nikolai Khabibulin.

Another one involves the Sens sending Antoine Vermette and a "high draft choice" to the Atlanta Thrashers for Marian Hossa. Considering some of the Hossa offers flying around, it would take more from the Senators to get Hossa.

Another Senators rumour involves Ray Emery, Andrej Meszaros and Joe Corvo sent to the Edmonton Oilers for Dwayne Roloson, Joni Pitkanen and Jarret Stoll.

The trade rumors above come from the The Gazette.

Scott Morrison of CBC is reporting that the Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals are interested in San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Carle.

San Jose Sharks may be looking at Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook, after the Wade Redden deal fell through.

Canucks, Flames scouting Leafs

According to the Vancouver Province, the Vancouver Canucks sent two scouts to the Toronto Maple Leafs-Carolina Hurricanes game on Tuesday. The Calgary Flames also sent two scouts, along with several others from other teams. It's believed that both teams are keeping a close eye on which players will be available, and also keeping an eye on Mats Sundin. The Canucks could fit Sundin under their cap, but would have to trade somebody off the roster to do that. It's rumoured they are looking closely at Alex Steen and Darcy Tucker. There are also reports that they are interested in Andrew Ladd. Source

Sportsnet's Hockeycentral panel adds that the Flames could be looking at Tucker as well as veteran forward Boyd Devereaux.

The Daily Herald is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks may be trying to trade goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin. However, Khabibulin's large contract and inconsistent play may prevent him from moving. Source