NHL and hockey rumors for July 7, 2008

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets are close to re-signing forward Michael Peca.

The Toronto Sun is reporting that the Maple Leafs are close to re-signing restricted free agent Matt Stajan to a multi-year deal, worth around $1.8 million a year.

The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Owen Nolan to a two-year, $2.4 million contract. The Wild also signed goaltender Barry Brust to a multi-year contract, and forward Jesse Schultz to a one-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Russian forward Igor Grigorenko has left RSL team Salavat Yulaev, citing a lack of ice time as the reason. Brochu's take: An NHL team might give him a chance, as he once a top prospect in the Detroit Red Wings farm system. Source

There are rumors that Ottawa Senators forward Randy Robitaille could be joing HC Lugano of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Source

Poll Results:

Do you think an NHL team will sign Ray Emery?

Yes	69 (61%)
No	43 (38%)

Total Votes: 112

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The Eagle has landed...in Sweden

Ed Belfour has arrived in Sweden to begin his season with Leksands. He arrived today at the game against Västerås, but did not play. He received a great ovation from the crowd, and spoke with the local media about playing in Sweden. "It's an honour to play for a team like Leksands," Belfour said. "I was intrigued by the challenges, adventures and the possibilities of playing [here]. His playing debut for Leksand IF could be against Växjö on Friday - but most likely against Nyköping at home next Wednesday. Source

The Ottawa Senators have signed Randy Robitaille to a one-year contract. Robitaille must clear waivers because he started the year playing in Russia. Source

According to RDS, there was speculation that the Calgary Flames were interested in acquiring Alexei Kovalev from the Montreal Canadiens.

McGillis, Soderberg to Europe

Dan McGillis, who was released from his try-out with the Vancouver Canucks, has signed with Adler Mannheim in the DEL. Carl Soderberg has been loaned by the Boston Bruins to the Malmo Redhawks of the Swedish Elite League. Source

Update on the Peter Forsberg - Dallas rumour. GM Doug Armstrong and Brett Hull were in Örnsköldsvik this week in order to persuade Forsberg to join the Stars. Modo sport manager Ecke Holmberg confirmed that he gave two tickets to the two men and talked to them about Forsberg's future. Asked about Foppa possibly signing with Dallas, Mattias Norstrom responded, "He is more than welcome." Source

According to reports in Minnesota, Wild prospect Roman Voloshenko has left the Houston Aeros (The Wild's AHL affiliate) and has opted to play in Russia.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Randy Robitaille may be signing with the Senators. Robitaille was released from his RSL team Yaroslavl Lokomotiv this week, and the Senators want him for depth purposes. The New York Islanders are also mildly interested in signing the Ottawa native. Source