Hockey and NHL Rumors for Jan 4, 2011

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed goalie Michael Leighton on waivers.  Brochu's take:  Leighton led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals a year ago, and now they let him go.  So much for loyalty.


The Phoenix Coyotes have placed forward Petr Prucha on re-entry waivers.  Brochu's take:  The Penguins, Flames and Maple Leafs all have interest the Czech winger.


The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Deryk Engelland to a three-year, $1.7 million contract extension.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 20, 2009

According to Swedish newspaper Expressen, Daniel and Henrik Sedin have each tabled a 12-year, $63 million contract offer to the Vancouver Canucks. According to Darren Dreger of TSN, GM Mike Gillis has already rejected the offer. Brochu's take: I think the twins will hit the open market. And if they do, I don't think they will be re-signing with the Canucks.

The Miami Herald is also reporting that the Florida Panthers are "officially" shopping the rights to impending UFA Jay Bouwmeester. Brochu's take: There's a rumored list of teams he wants to be traded to, but at this point the Panthers will trade his rights to anyone who will give the highest package. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have traded forward Steve Reinprecht to the Florida Panthers in exchange for forward Stefan Meyer. The Panthers have also signed Reinprecht to a three-year, $6.15 million contract extension.

The Coyotes have also re-signed forward Petr Prucha to a two-year, $2.2 million contract.

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forward Keith Tkachuk to a one-year, $2.15 million contract.

The Colorado Avalanche and forward Cody McLeod have agreed to a three-year deal worth $3.1 million.

The Canucks have also signed forward Matt Pope to a one-year, two-way contract. Source

Trade deadline wrap-up, Part 1

Here's part 1 of the NHL Trade Deadline wrap-up:

The Calgary Flames have acquired Olli Jokinen and a third-round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from the the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Matthew Lombardi, forward Brandon Prust and a conditional first round draft pick. The draft pick heading to the Coyotes will either be in the upcoming NHL entry draft or the 2010 draft, at Calgary's option. Brochu's take: The Flames are really making a run for it, and Jokinen should shore up their centre depth. It's a lot to give up for him, but Jokinen does have one more year on his contract.

The Flames also acquired defenseman Jordan Leopold from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Lawrence Nycholat, prospect Ryan Wilson and a 2nd round pick in 2009. Brochu's take: With the injury to Mark Giordano, the Flames needed another defenseman. With Leopold in the fold, he should make a strong defensive core even stronger. Again, it's a big price to pay for a pending UFA.

The Flames also traded goalie Kevin Lalande to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a fourth-round draft pick in 2009.

The Ottawa Senators have traded forward Antoine Vermette to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for goalie Pascal Leclaire and a 2nd-round pick in 2009. Brochu's take: This trade has been rumored for a few days now. If Leclaire can regain his form from a year ago, this could become a steal for the Sens. Vermette should help the centre depth on the BJs, but I really don't see him as a top 6 forward.

The Phoenix Coyotes also traded defenseman Derek Morris to the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Dmitri Kalinin and forwards Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha. Brochu's take: Don Maloney's role as ex-assistant GM of the Rangers comes into play again. I think the Coyotes get the better deal, as Dawes and Prucha are good young players, while Kalinin provides veteran depth. Morris has been rumored to multiple teams, but his price has been driven up by the lack of quality defenseman available.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 14, 2008

There appears to be a lot of rumors coming from New York that the Rangers are on the verge of making several moves, all having to do with making salary cap space for Mats Sundin. Speculation is that the Rangers may place forwards Petr Prucha and Dan Fritsche on waivers, and will trade a high-salary player in the next 48 hours. Sundin was in New York to film a commercial, and was spotted in a box at MSG. Brochu's take: There is certainly a buzz going around the Rangers; I would keep an eye on them the next few days.

According to Pierre LeBrun of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada program "The Hotstove", the Columbus Blue Jackets will do something about goalie Frederik Norrena in the next two weeks. Brochu's take: No word yet on either a trade or waivers.

Phoenix Coyotes forward Brian McGrattan has voluntarily entered the NHL substance abuse program. No other details were released by the team or the league.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 3, 2008

The has suspended Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery indefinitely. He will have a hearing with commissioner Gary Bettman Wednesday. Avery made some derogatory remarks in reference to Calgary Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf's girlfriend and Avery's ex, Elisha Cuthbert. "I am really happy to be back in Calgary, I love Canada," Avery said on camera this morning in Calgary. "I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about. Enjoy the game tonight." Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks also said he would have suspended Avery if the NHL did not step in. Brochu's take: The hockey media have speculated that Avery has played his last game with Dallas. However, there are few options for the Stars, as Avery is hated around the league and has a relatively big contract.

Stefan Legein will return to the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. Legein had retired at the age of 19 earlier this summer because he was no longer interested in playing hockey. Legein has been working out at home in Ontario and will try to make to to the BJ's AHL affiliate in Syracuse in January. Brochu's take: Perhaps Legein thought making it in the NHL is better than working at a pizza shop. Source

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, 26 teams, including all six Canadian teams, are interested in 22 year old University of Denver Pioneer forward Tyler Bozak. Bozak has seven goals and 18 points in 15 games this season. NHL scouts are also looking at Boston University defenseman Matt Gilroy, who refused 20 NHL offers last year to complete his degree at BU. The 25 year old has one goal and 9 points in 13 games this season. Brochu's take: Dreger calls this the "Brunnstrom Buzz", in reference to the media fury about Fabian Brunnstrom. BTW, Dreger did NOT start the Brunnstrom buzz. Ken Campbell from The Hockey News was the first to report about the Swedish forward. I'm just a bit tired of TSN and Dreger taking "credit" for discovering him. Source

Newday is reporting that New York Rangers forward Petr Pruch has refused a 10-day conditioning assignment with the Rangers AHL affiliate. Writer Steve Zipay believes the Rangers should trade Prucha to free up some cap space, possibly to sign Mats Sundin. Brochu's take: Rumors of trading Prucha have been around all year, but it seems no one wants him. I believe Prucha would really benefit from a new team if given more ice time. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 20, 2008

According to the New York Rangers blog on Newsday.com, there were several scouts at the Vancouver Canucks-New York Rangers game. The Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers and the Phoenix Coyotes each had one scout, while the Los Angeles Kings, Florida Panthers and New York Islanders had two each. Brochu's take: Several of the East coast teams can be explained. However, there are rumors there are several NHL teams are interested in Petr Prucha, who has been a healthy scratch for a lot of games this season. There's also been a lot of speculation that the scouting teams are looking at Mattias Ohlund, who everyone knows by now is a UFA this summer. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 20, 2008

Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has confirmed that Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough is definitely shopping forward Marian Gaborik. Russo believes all the rumors surrounding Gaborik being sent to the Montreal Canadiens have merit, and that the Wild are interested in forward Chris Higgins and defensman Ryan McDonagh. Brochu's take: This particular Gaborik rumor has been on the internet for quite some time. Perhaps there's more to this than first realized? Source

The Buffalo News is reporting rumours of "whispers" that the Colorado Avalance are interested in Maxim Afinogenov and they could send forward Marek Svatos to the Sabres. Brochu's take: This could be a good trade, as both seem to need new places to revitalize their careers. Source

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that Habs forward Kyle Chipchura could be on his way out of Montreal in the near future.

The Journal is also reporting that free agent forward Martin Gelinas may be finished with his NHL career, as no teams have called his agent. Playing in Europe remains a last-resort possibility.

Jim Matheson also believes that the New York Rangers might be moving forward Petr Prucha or Dan Fritsche. Brochu's take: I don't think the Rangers will be making moves while their team is doing so well this season. Source

The Rangers also agreed to terms with forward Devin DiDiomete.

Rangers-Blue Jackets rumors heat up

Aaron Portzline writes on the Puck-rakers blog from the Columbus Dispatch that eight scouts were on hand to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets-LA Kings game Thursday night. Rick Kehoe of the New York Rangers is watching the Blue Jackets for the sixth or seventh time this season, while Gordie Roberts of the Montreal Canadiens was also present. You may remember that the rumours of a trade between the Jackets and Rangers were flying last week. The Blue Jackets remain interested in winger Petr Prucha, while the Rangers may be looking at Manny Malholtra, who has just returned from injury.

There was also that Sergei Fedorov to Montreal rumour a few weeks back, which you can read here. Other names in the rumor mill for both teams include defensemen Adam Foote, Marek Malik and Paul Mara.

The other teams that were represented were two scouts each from the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins, and one each from the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks. Portzline speculates that these teams probably expect the Kings and Jackets to be sellers at the trade deadline and may be doing some advance scouting. But then again, a trade may be imminent. Source

Peter Forsberg is close to skating again. TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting that Forsberg is waiting for clearance from doctors to begin skating. Foppa has still not had serious discussions with any NHL team. Sources are indicating that he would prefer to return to the Philadelphia Flyers, but both the Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators could be likely destinations. Source

Marc Denis waived, Rangers/Blue Jackets update

Following the loss to Montreal Thursday night, goaltender Marc Denis has been waived by the Tampa Bay Lightning, effective Friday. If he clears waivers, he will report to their AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals. "It's obvious a transaction is coming...but I don't want to speculate. With the money I make and the contract I signed, the no-trade clause has only very little value." Denis said. Source

The New York Daily News is also reporting on the rumors between the New York Rangers and the Columbus Blue Jackets. GM Scott Howson was spotted chatting with GM Glen Sather in the press box at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul last Thursday, and then both Howson and Sather enjoyed the rest of the game in the visiting teams' private box. Petr Prucha and David Vyborny seems to be the names that have been tossed around the most frequently. The Blue Jackets might also be interested in young forwards Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan. A trade could come very soon. Source

David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News is reporting that scouts from 6 teams were at the San Jose Sharks-LA Kings game on Wednesday. These teams were the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks. Source

Potential Rangers/Blue Jackets blockbuster?

Aaron Portzline reports on his Columbus Blue Jackets blog Puck-rakers that the New York Rangers and Blue Jackets have talked, but nothing is imminent. Portzline also reported that on Dec. 23, when the Blue Jackets played Nashville, Gord Clark – the Rangers’ director of player personnel – watched from high above the rink. The Rangers are said to be interested in right winger David Vyborny and a defenseman, maybe Adam Foote or Rostislav Klesla. The Blue Jackets are said to be interested in right winger Petr Prucha. Source

Larry Brooks of the New York Post is also reporting on this rumor, speculating that other players could be included in an expanded deal. The Rangers would like to get rid of the contracts of defensemen Paul Mara and Marek Malik, but would also have to include someone like forward Nigel Dawes to make up the difference. Brooks also notes that Jason Chimera could be included in any deal between the two teams. Source

There are rumors coming from Chicago that Tuomo Ruutu could be shopped by the Blackhawks to get a veteran defenseman. The plethora of young forward talent in the Chicago system has made Ruutu a valuable asset in the market.

The NHL could be returning to ESPN (ESPN2 to be accurate) for the 2008-2009 season.

Prucha for Malholtra?

The New York Rangers continue to scout the Columbus Blue Jackets closely, as another scout was at Sunday's game. The Puck-rakers blog adds that the Rangers have dispatched scout Gilles Leger to some Blue Jackets’ games. Word is that the Rangers like Manny Malholtra. The Blue Jackets have been interested in Petr Prucha for a few years. Could a swap be imminent? Source

Larry Brooks of the New York Post is reporting that Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik could be available. Orpik was recently scratched for two games by coach Michel Therrien. Brooks claims there are players on the Pens that have ill feelings towards Therrien. Jarkko Ruutu and Gary Roberts have reportedly asked for trades. Source

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast on Saturday night, Al Strachan mentioned that the Vancouver Canucks could be interested in three players on the Nashville Predators. Strachan, on the intermission program "Hotstove", reported that the Canucks should be looking at centres David Legwand, Jason Arnott and Radek Bonk. Legwand recently signed a long term extension with the Predators.

Prucha, Montoya available?

Steve Zipay of newsday.com is speculating that Petr Prucha and Al Montoya could be used as tradebait. With Henrik Lundqvist firmly entrenched as the no. 1 goaltender in New York, Montoya could be a very attractive option for teams needing a top young goalie. Zipay is also speculating that Prucha and a pick could pry Dan Boyle of Tampa, who is due to become a UFA after this season. Source

According to sources in Montreal, Jaroslav Halak has asked to be traded and has threatened to leave for a team in Russia.

An update on the Atlanta-Edmonton rumours. The Edmonton Journal is reporting that defenseman Dick Tarnstrom could be on his way out, and the Thrashers and Rangers could be interested in his services. Tarnstrom is earning $2 million and has sat out two of the last three games as a healthy scratch. Source