Weekend rumor roundup Sept 27-28, 2008

The Ottawa Senators have re-signed defenseman Luke Richardson to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Teemu Selanne to a two-year, $5.25 million contract. However, the club is still around $1.2 million above the salary cap. Brochu's take: More moves may be on the way. Stay tuned.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, there are "whispers" that the Ottawa Senators are interested in Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund. Brochu's take: First, remember that Garrioch started the Ohlund rumors a few weeks ago. Ohlund also has a no trade clause. Source

Marty York of Metro News is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers are looking for a quality defenseman and are dangling goaltender Dwayne Roloson. Brochu's take: Roloson rumors are bound to pop up all season, as he is expected to be traded. Source

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

After being released by the New York Rangers, Petr Nedved will play for his hometown team, HC Bili Tygri Liberec of the Czech Extraliga.

Los Angeles Kings forward Petr Kanko has signed with HC Ocelari Trinec in the Czech Republic for the 2008-2009 season.

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 20, 2008

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Jason Pominville to a 5 year, $26.5 million contract extension. Brochu's take: And the population of Pominville increases by $5.3 million per year...

The Anaheim Ducks have told defenseman Mathieu Schneider not to attend training camp, as something may be "imminent". A trade may happen as soon as this weekend.

The Ducks have also signed free agent forward Teemu Selanne to a pro tryout contract, which will allow Selanne to attend training camp and participate in practises. Selanne will sign a contract as soon as the Ducks deal with their cap space problems. Selanne has also mentioned that he may be willing to sign a two-year deal, which will allow him to play in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The Ducks have also signed forward Drew Miller to a two-year deal worth $525,000 per year.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed goaltender Jean-Sebastien Aubin to a one-year contract.

The Flyers will place defenseman Derian Hatcher on long-term IR after their first game. This will save $3.5 million in cap space for the Flyers.

The Los Angeles Kings have told forward Patrick O'Sullivan to not attend training camp until they resolve their contract negotiations. O'Sullivan is a restricted free agent and rumors continue to fly about the Kings trading the young forward.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Calgary Flames forward Marcus Nilson will be playing for Yaroslavl Lokomotiv of the KHL. The Flames and the Russian have come to an agreement wherein the Flames will pay Nilson's $1 million salary, but won't count against the cap.

Flames assistant coach Wayne Fleming has also left his job and taken the head coaching job for KHL team Avangard Omsk.

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 16, 2008

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed Matt Murley to a one-year contract.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Brad Richardson to a two-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Free agent defenseman Nolan Pratt is close to signing a deal with a KHL team. Pratt was close to signing a deal in Russia last November, but the Buffalo Sabres came calling. Pratt has not received any offers from NHL teams this summer. Source

Defenseman Mark Popovic has signed with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. Source

According to a recent interview, Alexei Yashin has received some offers from NHL teams, but deems the offers to be too low. It's believed that the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Atlanta Thrashers were among the teams making offers. Brochu's take: Yashin is probably better off playing in Russia, if he thinks he can get a better offer in North America. Source

Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos is reporting rumors that both free agents Mats Sundin and Teemu Selanne have received lucrative offers from KHL teams, but both want to remain in the NHL, if they decide to continue playing hockey. It's believed that the Anaheim Ducks are still trying to make moves to fit Selanne under their cap.

NHL and hockey rumors for May 23, 2008

The Vancouver Canucks have given head coach Alain Vigneault a one-year extension. GM Mike Gillis also confirmed the firing of assistant coaches Barry Smith and Mike Kelly. Gillis also added that he will be directly involved in the hiring of new assistant coaches. Brochu's take: Gillis is definitely going the unconventional route of hockey management. There's a rumor that he is looking at the AHL Chicago Wolves coach John Anderson. I'm looking forward to seeing what he does with the players' side.

The Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday that the club has appointed Tony Granato as the team's head coach. Granato previously served in the role from 2002-2004.

The Dallas Stars have signed co-GMs Brett Hull and Les Jackson to contracts that will remain in their positions through the 2010-11 season.

According to the LA Times, Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke has told both Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne that they will have until the 2008 NHL Entry Draft (June 20th and 21st) to let Burke know of their intentions to play or not. Niedermayer has one year left on his deal while Selanne is an unrestricted free agent. Brochu's take: Burkie's not going to give the same leeway he gave Niedermayer and Selanne last year.

The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Karl Alzner to a three-year, entry level contract. Alzner was the 5th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Source

The New Jersey Devils have re-signed defensemen Mike Mottau and Sheldon Brookbank to contracts.

The Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman Maxim Noreau to a multi-year contract.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Harrison Reed to a three-year, entry-level contract. Reed received a $100,000 signing bonus for signing the deal and will make an average of $500,000 per season if he makes the Hurricanes, or $55,000 per season in the minor leagues. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have come to terms with forward Rylan Kaip and defenseman Arturs Kulda. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for May 18, 2008

According to the Calgary Sun, the Flames are among several NHL teams that want to sign Swedish forward Martin Thornberg. Thornberg scored 20 goals and 17 assists in 51 games for HV71 and also netted another 17 points in 17 playoff games. Brochu's take: Another unsigned European forward? There seems to be a trend this summer to sign these guys. Source

Aftonbladet is reporting that three players playing for Sweden at the 2008 IIHF World Championship are getting a lot of interest from NHL teams. Forward Johan Andersson is being observed closely by the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings, while forward Per Ledin and defenseman Jonas Frogren have also been closely observed. Source

Rumors from Sweden indicate that Red Wings forward Johan Ryno may leave the Wings to play with Elitserien team AIK. Source

Teemu Selanne announced he has retired from international hockey, and will not play for Finland anymore. He also stated that he will make a decision on his NHL future by July 1. Brochu's take: Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke will have an aneurysm if Selanne again waits half a year to decide. Source

According to the Puck-rakers blog at the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets will wait till July 1 to negotiate with restricted free-agent Dan Fritsche.

The same blog is reporting that the San Jose Sharks will trade Patrick Marleau this summer before his no trade clause kicks in, and the Calgary Flames are interested in the centre. Source

The latest Brunnstrom and NHL rumors

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have a "slight edge" in the Fabian Brunnstrom sweepstakes. Maple Leafs assistant GM Jeff Jackson and Brunnstrom's agent JP Barry have had discussions this week that both characterize as encouraging. The Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks are also strong in the running, while the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators have all made late bids. Brochu's take: Dreger's been reporting later than most rumormongers about Brunnstrom, and almost all his rumors have something to do with the Leafs. Brunnstrom is expected to make his decision in the next few weeks so we'll all see by then. Source

With the elimination of the Anaheim Ducks in 6 games by the Dallas Stars, rumours are already spreading that this spells the end of Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne and Brian Burke. Neidermayer and Selanne are unlikely to return next year, and will most likely retire. Burke is still being heavily pursued by the Toronto Maple Leafs for their vacant GM position.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Swedish free agent forward Linus Videll is close to signing a two-year deal with the Nashville Predators. Videll scored 13 goals and 26 points with Sodertalje of the SEL in 2007-2008. Brochu's take: A big 6'3 winger, Videll needs to work on skating to make it in the NHL. Source

Hossa sweepstakes

The Marian Hossa sweepstakes is about to begin. Atlanta Thrashers GM and coach Don Waddell will attempt to sign Hossa to a contract extension this week, or he will begin to shop the forward. It's believed Hossa has already turned down a 5 year, $35 million contract. The Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks could be interested. Source

The Denver Post is reporting that the Colorado Avalanche should look at acquiring Hossa, while the Toronto Star is saying the Boston Bruins may have interest.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin is trying to move defenseman Branislav Mezei and forward Radek Dvorak. Garrioch also claims that league executives insist centre Olli Jokinen will be moved. Source

The Teemu Selanne rumours have finally come true, as the Anaheim Ducks have signed Selanne to a one year, $1.5 million contract. Selanne will receive around $600,000 for the remainder of the season, but performance bonuses could see him earn closer to $2 million. Bob McKenzie of TSN is speculating that the Ducks may have more moves in the future. Source

The Chicago Blackhawks have placed forward David Koci on waivers. The Carolina Hurricanes may make a claim. Also, GM Dale Tallon remains searching for upgrades to his team, and may be making a deal in the near future.

Oilers and Stars talking, Malik AWOL?

Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe was in the pressbox at the Dallas Stars-Buffalo Sabres game Thursday night. He was sitting with ex-Stars GM Doug Armstrong. Could there be something going on with these two old rivals? The New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild also had scouts at the game, and the Dallas Morning News Stars blog is reporting that the Rangers have been scouting the Stars a lot lately. Source

Rumours are flying that the Columbus Blue Jackets are close to a trade. Talks have surrounded the Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers. Jackets GM Scott Howson would prefer to deal with an Eastern Conference team, but if the right deal came along he would trade with the West. Source

According to a source close to the Hockey News, Teemu Selanne could be back skating with the Anaheim Ducks as soon as next week. Source

William Houston of the Globe and Mail is reporting that TSN analyst Mike Milbury says Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke wants the GM job with the Toronto Maple Leafs and will take it if he is assured he will not see or hear from Richard Peddie outside board meetings. Peddie is the president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Leafs. Burke is currently signed until 2009 and is negotiating with the Ducks on an extension. Source

New York Rangers defenseman Marek Malik's equipment was not in his practice locker and could be on the move according to Newsday. "Right now it's just an internal matter," said coach Tom Renney. Asked if he was suspended, Renney declined to answer. Asked if he was still on the team, the answer was: "He's a Ranger." Renney wouldn't say if the defenseman was being traded. Malik is earning $2.5 million this year and has been a healthy scratch for a few games. Perhaps Columbus is interested? Source

The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Donald Brashear to a one-year contract. Source

Forsberg, Selanne to return in February?

According to the Courier Post, Peter Forsberg is expected to resume light skating this week in Sweden, and if all goes well, "sign with an NHL team sometime in early February." Philadelphia Flyers president Peter Luukko and general manager Paul Holmgren were made aware of the news on Friday while attending the World Junior Championships in Pardubice, Czech Republic. "Sure, we're interested," Luukko said. "We knew he had his procedure done and then he was going to try skating. It's going to be his call." Source

Teemu Selanne has been skating in full gear at Anaheim Ice lately, and there is word that he may be looking at a February return, according to the official Anaheim Ducks blog. A picture of Selanne at the facility surfaced late Thursday, as seen here. Credit to allducks.com for breaking the story. Source

During the intermission of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, analyst Scott Morrison stated on the program "Hotstove" that four teams have talked to Curtis Joseph to discuss if they fit into their respective team.

Morrison also reported that the Dallas Stars have reached an extension deal with forward Mike Ribeiro. The contract is rumored to be in the 3 year, $ 16 million range.

The Los Angeles Time is reporting that the LA Kings may be ready for a fire sale. Defenseman Rob Blake, who has been in the rumour mill lately, regrettably agrees. "Unfortunately, we're probably going to be in that type of position. We would've rather been battling for a playoff spot." Source

Canucks putting package for Satan, Demitra shopped?

According to an NHL source, the Vancouver Canucks could be putting a package together to get Miroslav Satan from the New York Islanders. GM Garth Snow has made it known that Satan could be available at the right price. It is believed the Islanders would like immediate scoring help, something the Canucks currently do not have.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Minnesota Wild would like to move Pavol Demitra. Demitra is due to be a UFA next summer.

Garrioch is also speculating that the NHL will consider an 84 game schedule, with the two extra games to be played in Europe. Source

The St. Louis Blues could be moving a defenseman in the very near future. They currently have seven defenseman on the roster, with several more NHL-ready prospects in the minors. Source

There are also rumors that the Blues would like to sign UFA Teemu Selanne. They believe that he would fit in perfectly with his old teammates and friends Paul Kariya and Andy McDonald.

According to the Toronto Star, a Russian tycoon has hired former NHLP executive Bob Goodenow to help create a new professional European hockey league. Alexander Medvedev, deputy executive of Russian energy giant Gazprom, is behind the new league, which also has former NHL star Igor Larionov on a ''working group'' to help start the league. It's also believed Scotty Bowman is consulting the venture. The league, tentatively called the "Open Russian Hockey League", or ORHL, could start as early as September 2008. Source

Leksand talking to Selanne

According to Swedish website expressen.se, Leksands IF is heavily pursuing Teemu Selanne. Selänne had lunch with Leksand majority owner Per Olof Ejendal last Monday and Ejendal expressed to him that Leksand will do anything to get him to play for their team. "I have consulted about the Finnish player (Teemu Selänne). I'm positive that he will consider the offer." said Ejendal. Source

The Anaheim Ducks trade watch continues into day 9. Scott Niedermayer is expected to return on Sunday, so something must be done before then. There are rumours that Todd Bertuzzi has also been available in negotiations.

The Dallas Morning News Stars Blog reports that 5 teams were scouting the Dallas Stars-LA Kings on Thursday. These teams were the Atlanta Thrashers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Ryder was a healthy scratch on Thursday. Could he be headed to the Stars?

The saga of goaltender Dan Cloutier, firmly entrenched in the minors in Manchester, N.H., took another turn when LA Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi and assistant GM Ron Hextall met with Cloutier and a doctor over the weekend. This resulted in a bit of a last-ditch move for the struggling goalie, who hasn't been right since hip surgery. "They say he's been at about 80%, in and out of the lineup, and we're going to shut him down for at least six weeks," Lombardi said Wednesday in Chicago. Source

Montreal/San Jose rumours run wild

Various sources on the internet have confirmed of trade rumors of a Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks blockbuster deal. A Montreal Gazette columnist is citing TSN's Bob McKenzie about a deal involving an exchange of Saku Koivu and Michael Ryder for Patrick Marleau and Steve Bernier. Other radio reports in Montreal suggest Joe Pavelski could be involved.

Other names that have been tossed around the rumour mill are Francis Bouillon, Jaroslav Halak and Kyle McLaren. Source

The Anaheim Ducks trade watch continues into day 8. A trade looks to be imminent according to the Ducks official NHL website. According to Marty York of Metro News, the Ducks have also come to a "verbal agreement" with UFA Teemu Selanne, and will likely return sometime after the new year. Source

The Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch website is speculating that now is a perfect time for a big Blue Jackets trade. Writer Aaron Portzline is reporting that defenseman Ron Hainsey and goaltender Fredrik Norrena may have some value to NHL teams to bring back scoring in the Columbus lineup.

Las Vegas remains hot on the rumor mill to land an NHL expansion franchise. According to one source long connected with league dealings, the fee will be some $300 million - more than three times the asking price prior to the CBA fixing player salaries. Hollywood's Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of such hits as "Top Gun" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," is the rumored money man for a franchise that could open for business in 2009-10. Source

Trade winds blowing in Minnesota

GM Doug Risebrough of the Minnesota Wild is not happy about his team, who have lost 9 of the last 13 games. Risebrough wants his team to play a grittier style, which explains his move yesterday. The Wild claimed Todd Fedoruk on re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars on Thursday, picking up half his salary in the process. In an interview with Star Tribune reporter Michael Russo, assistant GM Tom Lynn said, "The general manager is not happy where we are right now, so he’s made this move (Fedoruk). Some guys will have to step up or there will be other moves.” Source

In other Wild news, Swiss newspaper "Blick" is claiming that Petteri Nummelin has already signed a contract with HC Lugano for next season, and the only question is if he will join the team in the January transfer period. Source

The Washington Capitals have fired head coach Glen Hanlon. Bruce Boudreau, the head coach of Washington's AHL affilate Hershey Bears, has been named the team's interim head coach.

Several sources in Sweden have speculated that Teemu Selanne may be signing with Leksands IF in Sweden. Selänne has been apparently spotted in Leksand, where Ed Belfour is currently playing. Source

Poll Results:

Do you think Peter Forsberg will retire?

Yes	55 (60%)
No	18 (19%)
Don't Care	18 (19%)

Total Votes: 91

Bruce Garrioch's Sunday rumours

These rumours are courtesy of Ottawa Sun columnist, Bruce Garrioch:

Dion Phaneuf may be close to signing a long term contract extension with the Calgary Flames. Phaneuf's agent Don Meehan was in Calgary recently to discuss a possible extension for his client.

The Capitals are having trouble negotiating with restricted free-agent Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin fired Meehan and has hired a lawyer to be his advisor. Sources say the Caps were confident they'd be able to get something done with Meehan, but are having issues since Ovechkin, who's making $1.3 million, decided to take over his own negotiations. It's believed the Caps are willing to offer a deal similar to the five-year contract that will pay Sidney Crosby $8.7 million per season starting next year. It's believed Ovechkin's camp, which includes his mother Tatiana, is looking for a bigger deal, in the $9-to-10 million range. This could get interesting because somebody would most certainly give Ovechkin an offer as a restricted free agent on July 1.

Teemu Selanne was a visitor to the Duck's dressing room on Friday at the game between Anaheim and San Jose. He may be getting close to returning to the NHL.

There is talk the Chicago Blackhawks could move either Martin Lapointe or Sergei Samsonov. Samsonov has been a healthy scratch lately.

The Thrashers, Senators, Panthers, Kings and Canucks have all shown interest in impending UFA Glen Murray.

If Scott Niedermayer returns, Garrioch believes that Mathieu Schneider could be traded. He adds that Vancouver, Edmonton, Colorado and Atlanta are interested.

Niedermayer decision today?

According to TSN, Scott Niedermayer will announce a decision on his future at a press conference Thursday at 1:30 pm EST. Niedermayer has announced that he will not be attending training camp, but hasn't decided if he wants to retire or return to the Ducks. If Niedermayer decides to return sometime during the season, he will have to be suspended by the Ducks and his salary would be taken off the Ducks' cap number. However, there is this to think about. "The Ducks can't have an 'agreement' with Niedermayer as to when he will return — that would be a circumvention (of the salary cap)," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in an e-mail.

Also, the Hockey News quotes a source that Teemu Selanne is comfortable with the idea of being retired. However, in an interview with the television station The Score, GM Brian Burke indicated that Selanne has not said anything to indicate he was going to retire. Source

Tommi Santala has signed with Jokerit. Santala played for the Vancouver Canucks last year, scoring 1 goal and 5 assists in 30 games. Source

An update on Jamie McLennan. It appears he has has left Metallurg Magnitogorsk for family reasons.

John Tavares in 2008 draft?

According to TSN, John Tavares hopes that the NHL and the NHLPA will let him enter the 2008 Entry Draft. Tavares's agent, Bryan Deasley, says he has spoken with NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and Players' Association associate counsels Ian Penny and Stu Grimson about the possible creation of an exceptional player clause that would allow certain players to be drafted a year early, a clause similiar to the one that allowed Tavares to play as a 15 year old in the CHL. ''That's why we would look at other options, being Europe, if we feel that and we see that his development is not progressing to the point where it should be.'' Deasley added. Source

Teemu Selanne has returned to California from Finland and should be making his decision this week. The Anaheim Ducks training camp starts one week earlier than most clubs because of their game in London.

Niedermayer, Selanne update

Scott Niedermayer and his brother Rob will be showing the Stanley Cup around their hometown of Cranbrook today. This could be the day that he will announce his decision on retirement. A report on the weekend stated that both Selanne and Niedermayer enrolled their children into schools in Southern California. However, Selanne loves the California lifestyle and spends most of his off-season there. Selanne did miss a scheduled charity game on Saturday.

Nashville is looking for another scorer in their top 6, but may not make a move until after training camp. They are hoping players like Vern Fiddler and Martin Gelinas can step up and fill the hole.

Niedermayer/Selanne decision soon?

The Orange County Register reports that both Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne will decide on their future by early next week. It is rumoured that both will retire before training camp starts on Sept. 10. GM Brian Burke admits that the likelihood of both players returning is slim. "My guess would be that they’re probably not [return]. If that were their intent, I think I would have heard by now." Source

Michael Peca has signed a one year deal with Columbus. Official confirmation of the deal will happen after Peca's physical with the Blue Jackets' doctors. Source

Jeff Heerema has signed with the Frankfurt Lions. The former first rounder of the Carolina Hurricanes spent last year in the AHL with the Binghamton Senators where he scored 36 goals and 31 assists in 78 games. Source

Selanne update

According to the official Ducks website, the Finnish interview reported yesterday was not true. Selanne has not talked to anybody about retiring and is looking forward to returning to the United States to decide his future. Source

With Alexander Svitov abandoning the Blue Jackets to sign with Avangard Omsk, could the Jackets be looking for help in their forwards? GM Scott Howson may be looking for help via the UFA route, as there are still some forwards such as Eric Lindros and Jason Allison still available.

There's a rumour that Trevor Linden has signed a one year, $750,000 deal with the Vancouver Canucks and will be announced officially on Monday.

McKee to Boston?

There are several rumours that indicate Jay McKee may be headed to Boston. The St. Louis Blues currently have several extra defenseman signed, and it's believed that the Blues could shop McKee to free up cap space for some scoring.

The new Islanders jersey has been revealed today. Could this be a template for other teams around the league? Source

A Finnish TV report has indicated that Teemu Selanne is leaning towards retirement.