NHL and Hockey Rumors for February 17, 2013

According to Elliot Friedman on the CBC Hotstove, there have been serious discussions between the Colorado Avalanche and the New York Rangers about forward Ryan O'Reilly.  It's believed the Avs asked for defenseman Michael Del Zotto, and it appears the asking price for O'Reilly remains unrealistically high:  Brochu's take:  Avs management are notoriously known as extremely stingy.  However, rumors continue to indicate that O'Reilly will be dealt soon.

The Calgary Flames have placed forward Blair Jones on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor round-up:

Free agent defenseman Pavel Kubina has signed with Swiss team Geneve-Servette.  Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for February 8, 2013

The Boston Bruins have traded goalie Tim Thomas to the New York Islanders in exchange for a conditional second round pick in the 2014 or 2015 NHL Entry Draft.  The pick is conditional on Thomas reporting for the Islanders or any other team if they trade his rights.  Thomas is currently on his year long sabbatical from hockey.  Brochu's take:  This was a pure salary cap move to help the Islanders reach the cap floor.  Value-wise, you have to notice how low his stock has dropped, considering he has won two Vezina trophies in the past 4 years.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Kimmo Timonen to a one year, $6 million contract extension.

Brochu's European rumor round-up:

Free agent defenseman Chris Campoli has signed with Geneve-Servette of the Swiss NLA.  Source  

Post-Lockout NHL Signings in Europe

Here's a few more NHL signings in Europe, look for my individual European country updates soon!  This post will be concentrated on players that have signed with Swiss, Russian and Czech clubs.

RUSSIA

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has signed with SKA St. Petersburg.

Boston Bruins goalie Anton Khudobin has signed with Atlant Mytishchi.

SWITZERLAND

Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi has signed with SC Bern.

Boston Bruins forward Tyler Seguin has signed with EHC Biel.

Buffalo Sabres forward Tyler Ennis and Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon have signed with Langnau.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Radek Martinek and Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference have signed with HC Ceske Budejovice.

Washington Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth has signed with HC Sparta Praha (Prague).

St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Sobotka has signed with HC Slavia Praha (Prague).

NHL Lockout Signings: Switzerland

Here is a list of NHL players signing in Switzerland in the past few days:

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Luca Sbisa has signed with Lugano.

Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza has signed with Rapperswil-Jona.

San Jose Sharks forwards Logan Couture and Joe Thornton has signed with Geneve-Servette and HC Davos, respectively.

New York Rangers forward Rick Nash has also signed with Davos.

Montreal Canadiens defensemen Raphael Diaz and Yannick Weber has signed with EV Zug and Geneva-Servette.

New York Islanders defenseman Mark Streit has signed with SC Bern.

Detroit Red Wings forward Damien Brunner has signed with EV Zug.

Hockey and NHL Rumors for Oct 21, 2010

According to TSN, Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray is upset with his team's performance this season and is not afraid to make changes. "I've talked to a number of people, as I said," Murray said. "I talked to (Minnesota Wild general manager) Chuck Fletcher for a long time yesterday and said, 'can I help you, you help me' type of thing, so we're talking to management of other teams, trying to find if there is a need and possibility of making a move."  Brochu's take:  Stay tuned.  Murray is looking to shake up the roster and a trade is definitely possible.  Source

The Nashville Predators have signed forward Steve Begin to a one-year, two-way contract.  He has been subsequently put on waivers.

The Preds also placed forward Jamie Lundmark on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forward Owen Nolan has signed a month-long contract with Swiss club ZSC Lions.  Source

Hockey and NHL Rumors for Oct 5, 2010

The Calgary Flames have signed forward Brendan Morrison to a one-year, $725,000 contract.

The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed goalie Jonathan Bernier to a two-year, $2.5 million contract extension.  Brochu's take:  An absolute bargain.  Bernier is considered one of the best young goalies not yet in the NHL.

The New York Rangers have signed forward Ruslan Fedotenko to a one-year, $1 million contract.

The Washington Capitals have signed goalie Philipp Grubauer to a three-year, entry-level contract.

There were also many players put on waivers, which I'll cover in a later post.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forward Enver Lisin has left the NHL and signed a two year deal with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL.

Forward Kyle Wellwood has signed to play with HK Atlant in Russia.

Forward Dan Fritsche has signed a three-year contract with HC Geneve-Servette in Switzerland.

Hockey and NHL Rumors for Sept 28, 2010

New York Rangers defenseman Wade Redden has cleared waivers and has been assigned to the AHL team in Hartford.  Brochu's take:  Redden's agent has been given permission to find a team in Europe for the maligned defenseman.  The Ranger's are still on the hook for his salary.

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Matt Hendricks to a one-year, two-way contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Cristobal Huet has cleared waivers and has been assigned to HC Fribourg-Gotteron SA of the Swiss National League A.

Forward Marek Svatos has left the NHL and signed a one-year deal with KHL team Omsk.

Hockey and NHL Rumors for Sept 11, 2010

The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed forward Peter Mueller to a two-year, $4 million contract.

The Phoenix Coyotes have re-signed restricted free agent forward Martin Hanzal to a two-year, $3.6 million contract.

The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed forward Andrew Cogliano to a one-year, $1 million deal.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed their 2010 NHL first rounder Ryan Johansen to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forward Richard Park has officially left the NHL and signed a three year contract with Geneva-Servette HC of the NLA in Switzerland. Source

Hockey and NHL Rumors for Sept 9, 2010

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed free agent forward Nigel Dawes to a one-year, $600,000 contract. It is a two-way contract.

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed free agent forward Ryan Potulny to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Nashville Predators have re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Cody Franson to a two-year, $1.6 million contract. Brochu's take: The two-year deal for restricted free agents seems to be the norm. Expect other NHL teams to sign their RFAs to two-year deals as well.

The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed forward Kirk Maltby to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Wings have also placed defenseman Derek Meech on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

There are rumors that free agent forward Richard Park has signed a multi-year deal to play in Switzerland. Sources are saying he has signed for Genève-Servette HC or Rapperswil-Jona Lakers. Source

Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 19, 2009

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Todd Bertuzzi to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

According to the "Working the Corners" Sharks blog, head coach Todd McLellan has stripped forward Patrick Marleau of his captaincy, and is quoted as saying that "nobody's our captain" at the moment. Joe Thornton has also been relieved of his assistant captain duties. Brochu's take: You have to wonder if Marleau's time is up in San Jose, considering he only has one year left on his contract. The rumor is that Dan Boyle will be the new captain. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

There are rumors that Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Christian Backman and forward Jiri Novotny will sign with HC Frolunda and HC Servette, respectively. Source Source2

Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 7, 2009

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Jason Williams to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

The New Jersey Devils have re-signed forward Brendan Shanahan to a one-year deal.

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed forward Jannik Hansen to a one-year, two-way contract.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen has retired from hockey. Brochu's take: One of the few remaining players that actually played for the Winnipeg Jets, he will be missed.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Drew Bannister to a one-year deal. Bannister played for the Kassel Huskies in Germany last season.

Forward Jeff Hamilton has left the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and signed with HC Lugano in Switzerland. Source

Nashville Predators forward Antti Pihlstrom has left the organization and signed with Swedish club Farjestad. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 12, 2009

According to Al Strachan of the Score, the Montreal Canadiens are targetting Ottawa Senators forward Chris Neil when he is due to be a UFA this summer. It's believed that Sens GM Bryan Murray and Neil's agent have had contract discussions, but it's looking like Neil will test the waters of free agency. Brochu's take: The Canadiens could certainly use Neil's size and grit, but at what price? Is he worth $2-2.5 million a year?

The Dallas Stars have fired Marc Crawford as the new head coach. Dave Tippett was fired on Wednesday by new GM Joe Nieuwendyk.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Brian Strait to an entry-level contract. Strait was the Pens' 3rd round pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Nashville Predators defenseman Tim Ramholt is rumored to be signing with Swiss club HC Davos for the 2009-2010 season. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 30, 2009

Sorry about the lack of updates lately, I have been involved in another hockey-related project and it's been taking up my time. But I should be updating the blog regularly in the lead-up to the 2009 NHL Entry Draft!

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed forward Rick Rypien to a two-year, $1.1 million contract.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Robert Bortuzzo to a three-year, entry-level contract. Bortuzzo was the Pens' third round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Alex Plante to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Oilers took Plante in the 1st round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. (edit. Thanks for the correction!)

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Chris Terry to a three-year, entry-level deal. Terry was the Canes' 5th round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The New York Islanders have signed forward Micheal Haley to a one-year, two-way NHL contract. Haley had been playing for the Isles' AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.

Brochu's European rumor roundup: (signings)

The Montreal Canadiens have officially signed free agent forward Mikael Johansson to a one-year, two-way contract. The 23-year-old Johansson has spent the past four seasons with Farjestads BK Karlstad of the Swedish Elite League.

The Florida Panthers have signed free agent goaltender Alexander Salak to a contract. The 22 year old Czech native has spent the last two seaons with Finnish club TPS. Source

The New York Rangers have signed free agent forward Andres Ambuhl to a contract. Ambuhl has played for HC Davos in Switzerland for the past several seasons. Source

New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Pock has left the organization and signed a contract with Swiss club Rapperswil. Source

Weekend rumor roundup for April 25-26, 2009

The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Carson McMillan to an entry-level contract. McMillan was the Wild's seventh round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Ottawa Senators defenseman Mattias Karlsson will be leaving the organization this summer and has signed to played with Timra of the Swedish Elite League for 2009-2010. Source

There's a rumor that former NHLer Janne Niinimaa, who played for Swiss club Langnau this season, is looking for a contract with an NHL team. Source

Dallas Stars forward Joel Lundqvist is rumored to be leaving the organization to play in Sweden, possibly with Frolunda. Source

Several Swedish teams have targeted Vancouver Canucks forward Jason Krog for the 2009-2010 season. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 8, 2009

The Anaheim Ducks have signed free agent forward Dan Sexton to a two-year, entry-level contract. Sexton has spent the past two seasons with Bowling Green State University. Source

The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Mark Katic to a three-year, entry-level contract. Katic was the Isles' third round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Source

The Islanders have also re-signed forward Doug Weight to a one-year, $2.2 million contract extension, with bonuses.

The Ottawa Senators have signed coach Cory Clouston to a two-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forwards Linus Omark and Johan Harju, who have played well for Lulea of the Swedish Elite League this season, have decided to sign with Dynamo Moskva (Moscow) of the KHL for the 2009-2010. The respective draft picks of the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning were expected to sign with their NHL teams, but agent Patrik Aronsson has confirmed the transfer. Brochu's take: Omark has been the talk of the hockey world with his outrageous shootout goal on Youtube. They'll both get top-6 minutes in Russia, something they would never get in North America. Source

Swiss reports are saying that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks have expressed their interest in forward Andres Ambuhl. Ambühl has an exit clause in his contract with HC Davos if he signs an offer from outside of Switzerland. Brochu's take: NHL teams have been keeping an eye on him for sometime. Click here for more on Ambuhl. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 28, 2009

The Dallas Stars have signed goalie Richard Bachman to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 21 year old was the Stars' fourth round (No. 120 overall) pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, and has spend the last two seasons with Colorado College of the NCAA. Source

The Colorado Avalanche have signed forward Ryan Stoa to an entry-level contract. The 21 year old was the Avs second round pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, and spent the four seasons with the University of Minnesota in the WCHA. Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed free agent defenseman Jay Harrison for the rest of the 2008-2009 season. Harrison just finished the season with Zug of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Brochu's take: I don't quite understand Burke's signing of free agents after the trade deadline. Is it just to fill the lineup with warm bodies? Source

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed forward Mark Letestu to a two-year contract. Brochu's take: An AHL depth signing. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 17, 2009

The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Taylor Ellington to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Victoria native was originally selected 33rd overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Source

Speculation continues that Patrick Roy will become the next head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. However, the rumor is that current assistant coach Don Lever has the inside track on the job. Brochu's take: There continues to be a bit of an uproar because Lever does not speak French. I don't think Roy has enough experience to become an NHL coach yet.

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed forward Brian McGrattan on re-entry waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

SM-Liiga team Tappara has loaned forward Jori Lehterä to St. Louis Blues AHL affiliate Peoria Rivermen for the rest of the season. Lehtera was drafted by the Blues in the third round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Source

HC Lugano forward Patrick Thoresen is still considering a return to the NHL. Thoresen had an excellent season in the Swiss Nationalliga A, scoring 22 goals and 41 assists in 48 games. Brochu's take: Thoresen still has a lot of upside to him, and I can imagine his old teams, the Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers, would come calling. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 9, 2009

According to David Staples of the Edmonton Journal, Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid has asked to be traded four times this season. Staples writes that Smid is frustrated with his lack of ice time and utilization. Brochu's take: Obviously, nothing will be done about that until the summer. Source

TSN is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning are close to signing a 3-year contract extension with head coach Rich Tocchet.

Larry Brooks of the New York Post is reporting that Jaromir Jagr will receive clearance from his KHL team Avangard Omsk to return to the NHL next season. Brooks is also reporting that the Edmonton Oilers were about to sign a $7 million a year contract with Jagr, and that salary would prevent other NHL teams of picking him up on waivers. Brooks is also speculating that ex-Rangers coach Tom Renney could join Jagr in Edmonton, if the Oilers don't make the playoffs. Brochu's take: That's a lof of "ifs", Larry. While the financial situation with the KHL is still uncertain, they still have money to pay top end players. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

According to Swiss sources, Nashville Predators defenseman Tim Ramholt will leave the organization in the summer and sign with Champions Hockey League winner ZSC Lions. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 16, 2009

Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg denied a report by CBC's Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman that he's turned down a 10-year, $75-million contract offer from the team. "No, it's not (accurate)," Zetterberg said Thursday. "Usually I don't want to comment on that, but that's not true. I haven't turned down an offer of $75 million." The Red Wings and their Swedish star have been negotiating on and off since last June, but there has been no sense of urgency from either side. Brochu's take: Interesting that Zetterberg took the time to dismiss the report. A deal will be done, it's just a matter of time. Source

According to the Toronto Star, Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is still looking to make trades, but nothing has been interesting. Burke was in Boston watching defenceman Matt Gilroy of the Boston University Terriers, probably the most sought-after U.S. college free agent available this spring. Burke wants to sign around five college free agents, hoping two will make it. On the NHL front, the Leafs are rumored to be shopping defenseman Anton Stralman. Brochu's take: FYI, this blog will be updated frequently AFTER the trade deadline, when college free agents are usually signed (March-April). Other rumor sites tend to shut down by then, but not here. Source

The New York Islanders have signed goaltender Wade Dubielewicz to a one-year, $500,000 pro-rated contract. Brochu's take: I believe he still has to clear waivers before he can play for the Islanders.

In other Islanders news, the team has agreed in principle with the Los Angeles Kings to play an exhibition game in Kansas City in September for the 2009-2010 NHL season. However, according to league sources this game could be perceived as a veiled threat of potential relocation if plans for a new arena on Long Island aren’t soon finalized. Brochu's take: Kansas City has been in the running for an NHL franchise for years, ever since they offered free rent to the Pittsburgh Penguins a few years ago. They have an arena with no anchor tenant. Source

The Ottawa Senators announced Thursday that goaltender Martin Gerber has been send down to the AHL's Binghamton Senators on a two-week conditioning assignment. Brochu's take: We may have seen the last of Gerber in a Sens uniform.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Free agent defenseman Keith Carney has signed with SC Bern of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Carney had "retired" from the NHL earlier this season. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 29, 2008

Newsday is reporting that, according to a NHL source, New York Islanders GM Garth Snow is seeking draft picks in exchange for centre Doug Weight, who has attracted trade interest from several teams. Brochu's take: Weight's name has been in the rumor mill lately, but I suspect Snow will hold on to him until closer to the deadline, where he can get maximum value for him. Source

According to the "Hockey Guy" blog on STLtoday.com, the St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens have been scouting each other closely, and Tomas Plekanec is rumored to be involved in the talks. Apparently, GM Bob Gainey is "looking to mix things up." Brochu's take: This is the first time I've seen Plekanec's name come up in trade talks. I doubt that Gainey would subtract from his roster; it's more than likely he will add someone. Source

The San Jose Sharks have signed forward Claude Lemieux to a two-way contract. Brochu's take: If Lemieux makes it back to the NHL, Kris Draper better watch out!

The Carolina Hurricanes have placed defenseman Frantisek Kaberle on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

According to Swedish sources, Finnish forward Mika Pyörälä will finish his contract with Timra in the SEL and try his luck in the NHL for the 2009-2010 season. In 32 games this season, Pyörälä has scored 10 goals and amassed 16 assists. Brochu's take: Rumours are that the Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs are interested. Source

Swiss reports are indicating that the Montreal Canadiens could be close to signing forward Andres Ambühl. The 25 year old Swiss has scored 12 goals and 31 points in 34 games for Nationalliga A club Davos this season.