NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 24, 2009

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Dany Heatley has given the Senators a list of around 10 teams that he is willing to be traded to. Sources told Sun Media the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins were among the teams submitted to Murray by Heatley’s agents J.P. Barry and Stacey McAlpine. Garrioch adds that the Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues are taking a "serious look." Brochu's take: It's Garrioch, so take it with a bucket of salt, but he is pretty dialed in with the Senators. The Rangers, Sharks, Red Wings and Blackhawks have serious cap issues, so they can be eliminated. I expect Heatley to be traded at the NHL Entry Draft. Source

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has determined that Oren Koules has the final say in hockey matters with the Tampa Bay Lightning. GM Brian Lawton will remain in charge of team decisions. It's believed Koules and co-owner Len Barrie will have several weeks to work out their differences. Consequently, this increases the speculation that Vincent Lecavalier will be moved, as Koules wants to get the payroll down to around $40 million. Brochu's take: It's been confirmed that at last year's free agency frenzy, both Koules and Barrie, along with Lawton, negotiated contract talks with agents, almost all independently of each other. What a fantastically-run organization!

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Karri Ramo has signed a two-year contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL. It's believed he has a out-clause after one year in Russia. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 23, 2009

According to the St. Petersburg Times, there is a power struggle going on between the principle owners of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Oren Koules and Len Barrie. Koules and Barrie are scheduled to have a meeting Tuesday with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to determine which one of them will have the authority to make decisions for the franchise. Writer John Romano is quoted as saying that "The talk is that Koules wants to keep Lawton as GM, wants to trade Vincent Lecavalier to get out from under his $85 million contract and wants to pare the payroll to the low $40 million range. Barrie is not as solidly behind Lawton, wants to build around Lecavalier and is in favor of signing some free agents to get the payroll closer to $50 million." Brochu's take: Whoa, where did this all come from? Basically, tomorrow could decide the fate of Lecavalier, and what happens to this franchise. Romano reports that Koules has been getting on the bad side of personnel in the Lightning offices. Source

Writer Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province reported on his Twitter account that Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik has bought a house in Vancouver. Brochu's take: Not much of a rumor, but I bring it up because it is eerily similiar to last year, when Markus Naslund was rumored to be showing Pavol Demitra around town, which led to Demitra signing with the Canucks. Also, Gaborik is a close friend of Demitra, so put 2 and 2 together. Source

Possible Heatley destinations

Here's my list of possible destinations for Dany Heatley, in order of probability:

1. Edmonton

Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray loves Dustin Penner, and this could be the best opportunity to unload the under-performing forward. Penner alone won't make the deal happen, so the Oilers would have to give up either Sam Gagner or Andrew Cogliano and picks to get Heatley. Heatley has also good relations with Hockey Canada and Edmonton management personnel such as Kevin Lowe and Steve Tambellini.

2. Calgary

Heatley was raised in Calgary, so that's one reason. Pay no attention to those ridiculous Dion Phaneuf proposals, but the Flames would have to unload one of their high price contracts in order to fit him in their salary cap.

3. Los Angeles

They have lots of salary cap space, and lots of young assets to trade, such as Alexander Frolov. But the problem is Heatley going to waive his no-movement clause to a team that isn't quite Stanley Cup material?

4. St. Louis

They're looking to make a big splash on the free agent market, but getting Heatley would just be as good. They have a lot of good, young players and plenty of cap space.

5. Vancouver

It's looking unlikely that the Sedin twins will re-sign, so that frees up two top-6 spots and lots of salary cap space. However, the Canucks lack tradeable young assets. Heatley does own an off-season home in Kelowna, BC but I think that's not a huge factor.

Wildcard: Tampa Bay

The only way this would work is a straight Heatley for Lecavalier deal, which would offset each other's big salary cap hit. However, I wouldn't put anything pass Oren Koules and Len Barrie.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 4, 2009

The Colorado Avalanche have fired head coach Tony Granato and named Greg Sherman as the new general manager. Along with Granato, five others in the Avs' front office were also fired. Brochu's take: It's absolutely bush-league the way the Colorado organization let Granato sit like a sitting duck, waiting for the hammer to fall. I think future players and management will be more careful about joining the Avs. Source

According to Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.com, the Philadelphia Flyers are close to signing goalie Ray Emery to a contract. Several NHL GMs have confirmed that this is pretty close to a "done deal". Emery cannot sign a contract until July 1, because he is still considered a UFA, even though he spent last season with KHL team Atlant Mytischi. Source

Here comes Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Garrioch claims that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier is available, despite numerous denials by Bolts GM Brian Lawton. Speculation is that the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings remain the frontrunners to land the superstar, while Garrioch claims the Edmonton Oilers made a pitch for him last season. Brochu's take: Expect the Lecavalier rumors to reach a crescendo near the NHL Entry Draft.

San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson has fielded calls on forwards Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton, but it's unlikely that Wilson will move either. He is however, certain to make moves this summer.

The Boston Herald is reporting that the Bruins may consider trading RFA forward Phil Kessel, as they are limited by the amount of cap space after re-signing forward David Krejci. The Herald is also reporting speculation that forward Marc Savard be willing to waive his no trade clause. Brochu's take: There's just no more salary cap space for the Bruins to keep all that talent. Teams will be lining up to get their hands on Savard and Kessel, but that's a shocker that Savard would be willing to waive his NTC. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 19, 2009

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the father of Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jack Johnson has contacted a KHL team about having his son play in Russia next year. Jack Johnson Sr. reportedly contacted SKA St. Petersburg if they had interest in signing the impending restricted free agent to a one-year deal, and they responded that they did. Dreger is also reporting rumors that the Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning are in trade discussions, and it could be centred around Vincent Lecavalier. Brochu's take: Lecavalier's name is going to pop up everywhere as we get closer to the NHL Entry Draft. There's speculation that Johnson has demanded a trade. Dreger also states that the Montreal Canadiens remain in the running for Lecavalier. Source

The NFL, MLB and the NBA have lined up in support of the NHL's court fight to block the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes and move to southern Ontario. The other major sports leagues statements asking the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to "respect the National Hockey League's rules and procedures regarding ownership transfer and relocation." Brochu's take: We'll find out tomorrow, I suppose. I find it odd that Bettman's "friends" in the other sports have joined in the court matters, I would think this is exclusive to the NHL. I mean, I'm sure the NHL was not contacted when the Seattle Supersonics were moved to Oklahoma City. Source

Patrick Roy has denied speculation that the Colorado Avalanche have offered him the head coaching position. Current head coach Tony Granato has not been notified of the proceedings and still has two-years left on his contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 24, 2009

In a press conference Thursday, Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey lashed out at Tampa Bay Lightning GM Brian Lawton for releasing the names of the players involved in a possible deal for Vincent Lecavalier. "The second half of our season was when things started to go off course and I felt the first place was when we had discussions with Tampa Bay. We had an agreement with them that I got a call early in January with a list of names from their team that they wanted to talk about, and those players ended up public because they used those names to take them to other teams to see if they could create a different trade for Vincent Lecavalier," Gainey said. "I think it was disgraceful that Josh Gorges and Tomas Plekanec and Chris Higgins have to read that stuff." Brochu's take: Lawton has denied all the speculation. It's going to be interesting in Montreal this summer, as there could be possibly a new owner, GM, coach and roster. Source

Speculation has started again about another NHL team in the Greater Toronto Area, with former player Kevin Maguire leading a group of business executives in a meeting with NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly. A Globe and Mail story is reporting that Daly told the Vaughn, Ontario group that the NHL is not interested in expansion or relocation at this moment. Brochu's take: This should be the biggest no-brainer in the world, but as long as Gary Bettman is in charge, we won't see another team in Toronto.

The San Jose Sharks have signed free agent Kevin Henderson to an entry-level contract. Henderson has spent the past two seasons with the University of New Brunswick in the CIS. Source

Look for my European update sometime later this week, it will highlight players from Europe that are rumored to be signing with NHL teams.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 29, 2009

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in re-acquiring forward Colby Armstrong from the Atlanta Thrashers. Dreger adds that GM Ray Shero may also be shopping defenseman Ryan Whitney, as the Pens are looking for a top-line forward. Brochu's take: Dreger lists more names, but those players have been rumored for quite some time. No point in reporting the same rumor again and again. Source

The Calgary Sun is reporting that it's a given that Flames forward Michael Cammalleri will sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer, and the impending unrestricted free agent will garner a contract almost equal to teammate Jarome Iginla. Brochu's take: Cammalleri's strong play will get him a good contract, but I don't think he will get Iggy money. I would say a deal in the $5-$5.5 million range. Source

The Calgary Herald is reporting "internet rumours" that the Anaheim Ducks will trade defenseman Chris Pronger to the Flames.

According to Al Strachan on the Score, there is definite speculation that the Anaheim Ducks are shopping Chris Pronger. Pronger was asked about the rumors, and said that he has heard about them too. Brochu's take: Hmmm, this is more or less a "confirmation" that he is really on the trade block.

Strachan also reported that the Montreal Canadiens remain interested in Florida Panthers Jay Bouwmeester. The speculation is IF Bouwmeester ends up in Montreal, the Habs would then trade defenseman Andrei Markov to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the much-hyped Vincent Lecavalier deal. Brochu's take: That's a lot of dominos to fall in order for it to happen. I don't think this will happen.

The Minnesota Wild have placed forward Krys Kolanos on waivers.

Weekend Rumor Roundup for Jan 24-25, 2009

Here's the latest NHL and hockey rumours update for the weekend of Jan 24-25, 2009:

Tampa Bay Lighting general manager Brian Lawton is denying talk that Vincent Lecavalier is going to be dealt Monday to the Edmonton Oilers for a large package of players and draft picks. Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported that the rumoured deal would have sent Lecavalier to Edmonton for three players, two prospects, two No. 1 picks and a third-rounder. "It's just a pipe dream that people think we're going to trade him," Lawton said. Brochu's take: Actually, in Garrioch's article, he describes how Lawton denies the deal. So in essence, Lawton had to deny the denial! I'm sure Lawton is happy he had to get out of bed to put the fire out on this one. Source

Garrioch in his article also stated that that Los Angeles Kings and "some team who wants insurance in the playoffs" might look at getting Ottawa Senators goalie Martin Gerber. Brochu's take: I doubt it. He cleared waivers already, and there's no way they are going to bring him up through re-entry waivers. Source

According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, two sources have confirmed to him that the Tampa Bay Lightning are shopping forward Steven Stamkos. Brochu's take: I wouldn't put it past the Bolts, considering their crazy year so far, but I'm sure he's staying there. Source

According to Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe, the Bruins are likely to make a move in the next five weeks. Dupont speculates that it could mean bringing more character and playoff experience in the lineup. Dupont states that Edmonton Oilers forward Erik Cole and St. Louis Blues forward Keith Tkachuk could be good acquisitions. Brochu's take: Hmmm. Everyday there seems to be more and more rumours that Tkachuk is headed to Beantown. It would cost quite a lot to get him, but not as much as his last stint as a rental player.

NHL teams have stopped calling GM Peter Chiarelli about goalie Tuukka Rask, because he keeps telling them, "No!".

Dupont is also reporting that Philadelphia Flyers are willing to move forward Glen Metropolit and defenseman Andrew Alberts. Brochu's take: I don't think there's much interest in either players, but the Chicago Blackhawks have kicked the tires on Metropolit. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 24, 2009

The Philadelphia Flyers have inquired about Peter Forsberg's services. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has talked to Forsberg's agent about his health and the possibility of playing with the Flyers. Forsberg continues to skate in Sweden in preparation for a return to the NHL this season. Brochu's take: The Flyers lost out in the Forsberg sweepstakes last season, but it looks like they want to give it a try again. However, Philly's lack of salary cap space makes you wonder how they could fit Forsberg in their team. Perhaps a $1 contract? Source

Vincent Lecavalier addressed the trade rumors about him in a press conference in Montreal during the All-Star festivities. When asked if he thought the Tampa Bay Lightning would trade him before the March 4 deadline, he said, "I don't think so.". But Lecavalier also expressed his love for his hometown Montreal, saying that it would be his choice if he indeed was asked. Brochu's take: Not exactly a complete denial, is it? He sure seemed happy talking about his possible move to Montreal...too happy.

Jay Bouwmeester also talked about the trade rumors surrounding him. He's been happier than ever in Florida this year, but remains non-committal to signing an extension with the Panthers. Source

The NHLPA's executive board announced on Friday they have decided not to re-open their collective bargaining agreement with the NHL after the 2008-09 season. The current CBA will remain in place for another two seasons. Brochu's take: A smart choice by the players, given the present and future economic environment.

Phoenix Coyotes chairman and chief executive officer Jeff Shumway resigned on Friday.Shumway has relinquished his duties in order to focus solely on managing the other business ventures of team owner Jerry Moyes as president of Deer Valley Capital. Brochu's take: You have to wonder what the Coyotes "real" economic situation is. At some point, the team will have to cut payroll to the minimum, after all, a lot of their expenses are paid to the players' salaries.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

The Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning are close to signing forwards Linus Omark and Johan Harju to entry-level contracts. Both taken in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Omark and Harju are among the top scorers for their team Lulea in the Swedish Elite League. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 18, 2009

Here's the latest NHL rumor report from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

League sources say the Tampa Bay Lightning have been shopping Lecavalier because his no-movement clause doesn't kick in until July 1 and that there's also a disagreement between co-owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie on what direction the club should take with its superstar. It appears that Koules wants Lecavalier to stay, while Barrie is telling GM Brian Lawton to see what he can get in return. Brochu's take: Al Strachan on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program "The Hotstove" also added that the deal seems to be stalling because the Montreal Canadiens don't want to give up defenseman Andrei Markov. Pierre Lebrun also stated that Montreal would be Vinny's top destination IF he was asked to provide a list of teams he would like to be traded to. Adds more fuel to the fire.

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to move forward Daniel Briere, but the salary and term of the contract will make it nearly impossible. Garrioch suggests that the Flyers will move defenseman Randy Jones or forward Joffrey Lupul in order to make room for Briere. Brochu's take: Joffrey and Jones have been in the rumor mill for months now. But the Flyers will be forced to make a roster move once Briere is healthy.

"There's a lot of talk the [Edmonton] Oilers will move [forward] Erik Cole if he doesn't agree to a contract extension before the trade deadline." Brochu's take: Not if the Oilers are still in the playoff hunt.

"The Bolts are expected to send forward Adam Hall back to the [Pittsburgh] Penguins for a draft pick." Brochu's take: Very likely to happen.

The Phoenix Coyotes may hold a firesale at the trade deadline, with the likes of defensemen Ed Jovanovski and Derek Morris, and forward Olli Jokinen being offered up as the club tries to shed salary. Brochu's take: Garrioch and his "league" sources again. I don't expect a firesale until the summer though.

Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini confirmed that newly acquired goalie Dany Sabourin will not play for the Oilers, and will try to trade him or send him to the minors in the next week.

The New York Islanders are still looking for a goaltender after Wade Dubielewicz was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Rumour is that they are looking at Vancouver Canucks goalie Curtis Sanford, who cleared waivers earlier this week.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 15, 2009

According to Al Strachan of the Score's Hardcore Hockey Talk, the Montreal Canadiens have made an offer to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Vincent Lecavalier. However, it's believed the Bolts want Andrei Markov in return, someone the Habs do not want to trade. The deal is still rumored to involve P.K. Subban and a 1st rounder. Brochu's take: More updates as this story begins to explode across the NHL.

Strachan also reports that various NHL governors have had informal discussions about a dispersal draft, if the Phoenix Coyotes do indeed fold. Meanwhile, TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting that the Coyotes are likely to be sold in the next two months, with current owner Jerry Moyes retaining as much as 20 percent.

Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez met this morning with commissioner Gary Bettman at the NHL Headquarters in Manhattan. He was there to update the commissioner on the status of Hartford's plans for a new arena in the city. Perez hopes to bring back NHL hockey back to Connecticut. Brochu's take: I got an idea, move the Coyotes to Hartford and bring back the Whalers. But only if they promise to play "Brass Bonanza" after every single goal. Source

According to the Columbus Blue Jackets blog "Puck-rakers", BJ's assistant GM Chris MacFarland was at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto last night, watching the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Nashville Predators. Writer Aaron Portzline also reports that two scouts from the Pittsburgh Penguins, one each from the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues and Florida Panthers were at the Blue Jackets-Colorado Avalanche game on Tuesday. Brochu's take: It looks like teams are circling the Leafs, looking to pick up whatever's left. Scouts are at every game, but trade speculation seems to be picking up around the league.

There appears to be still no contract talks between the Minnesota Wild and free-agent to be Niklas Backstrom. There has been no indication that GM Doug Risebrough event wants the goaltender to come back. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 14, 2009

Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey did not address the Vincent Lecavalier trade rumors directly, but admitted that he wouldn't mind adding an impact player. Lecavalier has dismissed the rumors as just that, "rumors". GM Brian Lawton has admitted that no one is untouchable on the Lightning but he is not actively shopping Lecavalier. Brochu's take: Like Bob McKenzie says, it's up to Lecavalier if he wants out of Tampa.

Scouts from 15 different teams - including three from the Florida Panthers, two from the Chicago Blackhawks and one from the Vancouver Canucks - attended Tuesday night's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators. Most of them were to watch defenseman Tomas Kaberle, but several other Leafs forwards were also closely monitored. Source

According to the Ottawa Sun, Senators GM Bryan Murray wants to "get a young player or two", but doesn't want a veteran with a lengthy contract. Sources are saying that the Sens went after New York Islanders defenseman Chris Campoli, but those talks are over. Brochu's take: Murray might feel safe, but rumors are that he's on the chopping block if they don't turn it around soon. Source

There's some speculation that the Boston Bruins could be shopping goaltender Manny Fernandez, but Boston Globe writer Kevin Paul Dupont has checked around the NHL that there are no Fernandez trade rumors. Source

Larry Brooks of the New York Post is reporting that the Rangers have opened negotiations with forward Nikolai Zherdev, who is due to be restricted free agent in July. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired defenseman Brett Skinner from the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Junior Lessard.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 13, 2009

Speculation around the NHL and hockey world is growing about the possibility of the Tampa Bay Lightning trading forward Vincent Lecavalier. Bob McKenzie notes that it's up to Lecavalier if he wants to stay in Tampa, or be traded. His no trade clause does not kick in until July 1st. McKenzie also noted that the the proposed deal with the Montreal Canadiens includes Tomas Plekanec, Chris Higgins, Josh Gorges, prospect P.K. Subban and a package of draft picks (including a first rounder ). Source

La Presse is also reporting that the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers could be interested. Brochu's take: Forget the Rangers, their lack of salary cap space is what prevented Mats Sundin from signing there. The Kings and Oilers have the cap room, but do they have the assets? Rumours are that any package from the Oilers would have to include forwards Shawn Horcoff and Rob Schremp. The Lightning would also like Alexander Frolov from LA. Source

ESPN's Scott Burnside reports the Phoenix Coyotes were penalized 25% of their portion of the revenue-sharing pot last season. Teams can only collect their share of the revenue-sharing money if they attain certain revenue and attendance targets. Also, the Coyotes last week laid off 18 staff members, approximately 10% of their staff. Rumors of contraction have spread through the league as well. Brochu's take: The CBC Hotstove panel were discussing the possibility ( and implementation) of the dispersal draft already! Before we talk about the "c" word, I believe the league and NHL will do everything possible to relocate the franchise first.

The Florida Panthers have placed defenseman Cory Murphy on waivers.

Montreal-Tampa Bay rumor?

During TSN's broadcast of the Edmonton Oilers-St. Louis Blues game, Darren Dreger reported during the 2nd intermission that there has been steady dialogue between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning about Vincent Lecavalier. Sources are saying that there are some in the Bolts organization who want to trade Vinny, and some who don't. Lecavalier's agent has flown down to Tampa to "quiet" down the issue and clear the status of his client. Dreger adds that up to 4 NHL roster players could be involved, and the deal could likely involve forwards Chris Higgins and Tomas Plekanec, defenseman P.K. Subban and draft picks/prospects. Brochu's take: The TSN panel also discussed Lecavalier's reluctance to play in Montreal and his huge contract. Montreal does want to make a splash this season, but a lot of things would have to fall in place for this rumor to come true.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 11, 2009

Welcome to Brochu is Hockey, Mark III! A more detailed post will be posted today to let you know all the upgrades. But back to the heart of the matter, rumors!

The Atlanta Thrashers have claimed forward Rich Peverley off waivers from the Nashville Predators.

According to TSN, free agent forward Brendan Shanahan is joining the New Jersey Devils, but the final terms on a deal has yet to be finalized. According to another source, it's believed to be a one-year deal. Source

In an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jaromir Jagr saids he is happy playing for Avangard Omsk in the KHL, but might consider a return to the NHL once his contract expires. Jagr expressed that he would return only to two of his previous teams, the Penguins or the New York Rangers. Jagr also added that he would play for the league minimum with the Pens, citing a debt owed to Mario Lemieux with helping him out during the early parts of his career. Brochu's take: With all the rumors of players not getting paid in the KHL, Jagr might be back sooner than once thought. Source

Tampa Bay Lightning owner Oren Koules, Vincent Lecavalier's agent Kent Hughes and Lecavalier himself all denied that he is being shopped around the league. However, a Sportsnet report, and according to sources around the NHL, Lecavalier's been made "available", along with forward Steven Stamkos, at the right offer. Pierre LeBrun on Hockey Night in Canada's intermission program "The Hotstove" stated that Lecavalier could be had at the right offer. Al Strachan speculated that if the Montreal Canadiens offered Andrei Kostitsyn, Sergei Kostitsyn and Mike Komisarek, the Bolts might listen. Brochu's take: It would seem there are conflicting reports on whether Lecavalier is on the trade block or not. What is true is that the Lightning are definitely having financial troubles, and could be cutting salary soon. Source

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, it was reported that Peter Forsberg has quitely expressed interest in returning to the NHL, and Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is interested. Brochu's take: Forsberg is still rehabbing his latest ankle surgery, and probably won't skate until March, which is right around the trade deadline. If he decides to sign, I wouldn't expect him to play a game until April.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 8, 2009

Sorry about the lack of updates, it's been a busy time for me.

According to a French language hockey website, the Tampa Bay Lightning are having serious financial troubles and have asked forward Vincent Lecavalier to waive his no trade clause. Brochu's take: There have been rumours that the "Bolts" are having money issues, but I doubt that they asked Lecavalier to waive his NTC, since he just signed a long-term extension. Source

Ottawa Senators Eugene Melynk made an announcement to the media assuring that he is not looking to make changes to his team at the moment. Rumors spread early on Wednesday that coach Craig Hartsburg and GM Bryan Murray would be both be fired, and replaced with Pat Quinn and Bob Nicholson respectively. There have also been speculation that Quinn could become the coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins once Michel Therrien gets fired.

According to the Team 1040 radio in Vancouver, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been scouting the Vancouver Canucks very closely for the past few weeks, and something could be in the works. Brochu's take: The Nucks and Bolts have been common trading partners lately; it wouldn't surprise if there is a trade brewing between these two teams again.

The Anaheim Ducks have traded forward Brad May to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a conditional 6th round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: This makes this the 3rd time that GM Brian Burke has traded for Brad May. He did it in Vancouver, and he brought May into Anaheim. Does May have incriminating photos of Burke or something?

The Calgary Flames have signed defenseman Keith Aulie to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forward Frederik Cabana has left the Philadelphia Flyers organization and signed with Austrian hockey team EC Dornbin. Source

NHL free agent signings for July 11, 2008

Sorry about the delay, there will be another post later today focused on the KHL (Russian) rumors that have been around lately.

The Minnesota Wild have traded defenseman Shawn Belle to the Montreal Canadiens for forward Corey Locke.

The Wild have also signed forward Krys Kolanos to a contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Brennan Evans to a two-year contract and defenseman Steve Montador to a one-year contract.

According to RDS.ca, the Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed Vincent Lecavalier to a 11 year, $85M contract extension.

The Bolts also announced the resignation of executive vice president and general manager Jay Feaster. He has come to terms with the owners, as Feaster had 3 years left on his contract. Brochu's take: Everyone saw this coming when most of the deals were announced by Koules, Barrie or Lawton. It won't take him long to find a job though, as he is well respected member in the old boys club.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed forward Chris Gratton to a one-year contract.

The Ottawa Senators have signed goaltender Mitchell O'Keefe and defenseman Brendan Bell to one-year contracts.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Jason Krog to a one-year deal.

The Washington Capitals have signed RFA forward Boyd Gordon to a one-year contract.

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Andy Wozniewski to a contract.

Bouwmeester wants out?

According to New York source Newsday, a source close to defenseman Jay Bouwmeester has said that he wants out of Florida. Brochu's take: Expect the bidding to be high for him. Source

The Panthers have also put forward Jozef Stumpel on waivers.

The Vancouver Canucks have claimed Toronto Maple Leafs forward Kyle Wellwood off waivers.

The Ottawa Senators have traded tough guy Brian McGrattan to the the Phoenix Coyotes for a 5th round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry draft.

Sources are saying that the Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed Vincent Lecavalier to a 9 year, $77 million contract extension. As per CBA rules, the deal cannot be finalized until July 1.

The Anaheim Ducks official website is saying that it's very likely that defenseman Scott Niedermayer will return for the 2008-2009 season. Niedermayer has only one year left on his contract. Brochu's take: This could potentially cause cap problems for the Ducks this summer. Look for one of their defenseman to be shopped. Source

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forwards Joe Pavelski and Jeremy Roenick and backup goaltender Brian Boucher on Wednesday.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have bought out the final year of Marc Denis' contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. Denis cleared waivers Wednesday. Source

Two "rights" trades

The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired the rights to impending UFA Vaclav Prospal from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a 2008 seventh-round pick and a conditional 2009 pick.

The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired the rights to impending UFA forward Darcy Hordichuk from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2009.

Brochu's take: Expect more of these type of deals in the future. Also, there will be a big rumor update later today, so stay tuned.

The Hurricanes have also re-signed defenseman Tim Gleason to a 4 year, $11 million contract extension.

The Ottawa Senators have signed Matt Carkner to a two-year contract.

According to RDS, the Tampa Bay Lightning and forward Vincent Lecavalier are very close to a new contract extension, which would keep in Tampa for the rest of his playing career. Source

Lecavalier demands trade?

During the intermission program "The Hotstove" (not "Satellite Hotstove" anymore, as some rumormongers put it) on the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast on CBC, Al Strachan quotes sources that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier has done all he can with the team and wants to be traded to a bigger market in the summer. Strachan speculates that Montreal, Los Angeles and New York could be possible destinations.

Pierre LeBrun refutes the Lecavalier rumor, but believes GM Jay Feaster will shop Brad Richards this summer to free up some cap space to get a top goaltender.

Rob Blake is rumoured to be headed to the San Jose Sharks or Anaheim Ducks.

Scott Morrison believes Peter Forsberg will make his decision to return to the NHL in the next few days, and the Philadelphia Flyers remain the frontrunners.

During the After Hours program, Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis confirmed that he has made an offer to Forsberg and is waiting for an answer. Nonis maintains that the Canucks are in the Foppa sweepstakes.

Also, Nonis stated bluntly that he will not trade young players Alexander Edler and Ryan Kesler for players at the deadline. Nonis revealed that he turned down a trade last year involving a UFA rental player that would have cost Edler.

The latest from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Toronto Maple Leafs interim GM Cliff Fletcher has been working the phones and he may ask defenseman Tomas Kaberle to waive his no trade clause. It's believed the San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers are making a push for the Czech blue-liner.

Sources are saying that the Florida Panthers are shopping forwards Jozef Stumpel and Radek Dvorak.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have shown an interest in Leafs defenseman Hal Gill.

More from Bruce Garrioch later, including the latest on Hossa, Havlat, Cammalleri, Blake and Boyle.