NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 3, 2008

The Toronto Maple Leafs are rumored to be on the verge of trading one of their surplus defenseman, and the most likely two are Ian White and Carlo Colaiacovo, who were on display in Sunday night's game between the Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. "We've had preliminary discussions with a few managers," GM Cliff Fletcher said during the game. "And there will be a time I'm sure in the near future when a trade could be available for us. We'd be looking to move just one defenceman and hopefully get a forward in return that would fit into our scheme of things." Fletcher was also spotted in a suite with Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford, who has been looking for a defenseman. Brochu's take: Stay tuned, there could be a trade brewing between these two teams. Source

Fletcher also dismissed rumours that he was interested in Atlanta Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk and insisted he has not talked to the Thrashers about anything. GM Don Waddell claimed the speculation as a "wild rumour".

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Ottawa Senators forward prospect Alexander Nikulin has demanded a trade or he will return to Russia. The 23-year old Nikulin has stated that he will return to Russia if the Senators do not have a deal in place by Monday. GM Bryan Murray has shopped the forward for some time, but no one was seriously interested. Brochu's take: This is going to happen more and more with Russian draft picks. Source

Minnesota Wild forward Petr Kalus has signed a contract with KHL team HK MVD Balashikha. Kalus bolted from the AHL farm team in October.

New Jersey Devils forward Erik Rasmussen has signed with Finnish team Assat Pori.

Florida Panthers forward Rob Globke has signed with Frederikshavn White Hawks in Denmark.

More Duck deals, Keenan to be fired by All-Star break?

*** Trade rumor update 12:30 AM EST ***

Jonas Hiller has been recalled by the Anaheim Ducks and it could mean that Ilya Bryzgalov is on his way out. "I think we will see the last of him in Portland; I think the Jonas Hiller bio will be similar to what we saw with Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf," said Pirates coach Kevin Dineen in a recent video interview. This trade may involve Toronto. **3:00 AM EST update ** Bryzgalov may have been put on waivers. Stay tuned. Source

Marty York of Metro News is reporting that Mike Keenan is on the hot seat. According to sources, Keenan’s rigid methods have not been appreciated by the majority of the Flames and that captain Jarome Iginla has confronted, or soon will confront, the coach on the team’s behalf. An NHL assistant coach told York that " If things don’t improve in Calgary, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mike replaced by the all-star game." Source

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired defenceman Aaron Rome and left-winger Clay Wilson from the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday in exchange for centre Geoff Platt. All three players have been assigned to their respective AHL affiliates. Source

Erik Rasmussen has signed a professional tryout contract with the New Jersey Devils AHL affiliate in Lowell. Source

Andre Lakos has been assigned to Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League. The Austrian defenseman signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Wild in June. "He came over with the idea he'd get a shot at the NHL level," said Wild GM Doug Risebrough, adding Lakos' play with Houston in the American Hockey League showed he wasn't motivated to stay here. Source

Penguins interested in Turco?

According to Steve Zipay at Newsday.com, "Pittsburgh reps have been following the Stars from city-to-city. The hunch: Assessing Dallas G Marty Turco and/or defensemen." The Penguins have been rumoured to be shopping for an experienced goalie. Source

Brochu's European round-up:

Erik Rasmussen and Dave Scatchard are interested in signing in Switzerland, specifically with SC Bern and EV Zug of the Nationalliga A. Rasmussen remains unsigned and Scatchard was recently released from his pro tryout contract with the New York Rangers. Source

Aftonbladet is reporting that Daniel Tjärnqvist will be joining Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Russian Super League. It is believed he will be joining the team after his participation in the Karjala Cup.

HC Lugano has contacted David Aebischer. Aebischer is currently playing for the AHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes.