Patrik Stefan retires from hockey

Patrik Stefan has officially ended his hockey career. Stefan had signed with SC Bern this summer, but after 3 games, he has retired immediately due to chronic injuries. The former no. 1 pick of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft played 455 games, scoring 66 goals and 127 assists with the Atlanta Thrashers and Dallas Stars. "It is hard to make this decision at 27 years old. Nevertheless, I knew that once the time would come, I must make it. But all physicians assured me that it was better for my health, if I carry out this step now." Source

According to various sources, Radek Martinek has signed a three-year extension with the New York Islanders. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Matt Nickerson, who was cut from the Dallas Stars training camp, has signed with Ässät Pori in Finland. Source

Another Forsberg rumour

According to Marty York, the Edmonton Oilers "haven’t give up their pursuit yet of veteran free agent Peter Forsberg." Forsberg won't be returning until the new year at the earliest. Source

The Swiss newspaper "Blick" is reporting that Patrick Stefan may be close to retiring. Apparently, his injury troubles have followed him to SC Bern.

Martin Havlat suffered a shoulder injury in last night's game. It is the same shoulder he had surgery on two years ago. At last report, he was wearing a sling and will go for MRI tests on Friday.

Gilmour to try coaching

According to Sportsnet, Doug Gilmour will move into a coaching position with the Maple Leafs organization. What exactly his position will be is unclear, but he will help coach the AHL affiliate Marlies, as well as help Team Canada in the Spengler Cup. Somewhere in Canada, Don Cherry is smiling. Source

The Florida Panthers have signed Noah Welch to a two year contract. Terms were not disclosed. Welch played in 24 games in 2006-2007, splitting between Pittsburgh and Florida. Welch was acquired from the Penguins in the Gary Roberts deal. Source

Patrick Stefan will remain at Bern. His out clause expired September 11, and there was speculation that he was negotiating with Phoenix. Source

More camp invitees: Adam Hall - Penguins, Mike Morrison and Maxime Ouellet - Islanders.

Patrik Stefan to Phoenix?

According to Swiss sources, Patrik Stefan may be headed back to the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes. Stefan signed with SC Bern in late August, but had an escape clause if he signed with an NHL team. The report indicates that the clause expires tomorrow, and if Stefan has not signed he will report to Bern on Thursday. Stefan has been in negotiations with the Coyotes and the deal seems to be hinged on financial terms. Bern Sportchief Sven Leuenberger believes that there is a "50/50" chance he will play with Bern. Source

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun has reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Scotty Bowman are still negotiating. It was rumoured earlier this summer that the Leafs were pursuing Bowman for a senior position in the organization. Despite the public rejections, Simmons claims that they have met again in late August and early September to discuss the matter. Source

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that GM Dale Tallon has denied any internet or rumoured dealings that have swirled around his team. In response to questions asked about Pavel Kubina, Danny Markov and Tony Amonte, Tallon answered, "Nope." Source

Stefan signs in Switzerland

Patrik Stefan has signed with SC Bern in Switzerland. Stefan played for the Dallas Stars last season. It is a one year contract with an out-clause until September 11. Source

The New York Islanders signed forward Josef Vasicek to a one-year $750,000 contract. Source

According to the Vancouver Sun, Trevor Linden and the Vancouver Canucks are having problems agreeing to a contract. It's believed there are differing opinions on Linden's role to the team. Several teams have inquired about him, with Anaheim and Montreal to be the lead teams. However, Linden has expressed that he would like to play with the team he loves and would most likely retire if not offered a contract. Source