NHL and hockey rumors for July 8, 2008

The Calgary Herald is reporting that Flames GM Darryl Sutter has a couple of moves planned, and one could be acquiring Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bryan McCabe. Writer Bruce Dowbiggin also speculates that the Flames could go after New Jersey Devils forward Brian Gionta. Brochu's take: A strange rumor, as the Flames are very near the cap, and why would they need another huge contract? As for Gionta, they are looking for wingers to play in the top 6. Source

The Ottawa Senators have signed forward Greg Mauldin to a two-year contract.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Dennis Seidenberg to a one-year, $1.2 million contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman Tomas Mojzis to a multi-year contract. Mojzis spent the past two seasons in Russia.

Forward Ivan Khomutov has left the New Jersey Devils organization and has signed with CSKA Moskva (Moscow) for the 2008-2009 season. Source

There are rumors that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Joakim Lindstrom could be returning to play in Sweden.

There are also rumors that New Jersey Devils forward Sergei Brylin could be signing with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl if he gets no offers from NHL teams.

Swedish reports are saying that the Nashville Predators are close to signing forward Linus Videll.

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

The latest NHL rumors for Feb 7, 2008

A rumour was reported on CKAC 730 AM radio in Montreal about the Montreal Canadiens trading Michael Ryder and Ryan O'Byrne for Calgary Flames forward Alex Tanguay. Tanguay has a no trade clause and is reportedly sick of hearing rumors about him heading to Montreal.

Andy Strickland of 1380 ESPN radio in St. Louis is reporting that defenseman Matt Walker has asked the Blues to be traded. There is a lot of speculation that the Blues are on the verge of a trade, possibly involving defenseman Eric Brewer and Barret Jackman.

Swedish reports have indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs may be interested in signing forward Linus Klasen. Bill Meltzer of NHL.com also adds that both Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren and Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis, along with many other NHL scouts watched prospects Fabian Brunnstrom, Linus Klasen and Linus Videll, along with many other NHL scouts on a recent trip to Sweden. Source

Many Canucks fans' hearts skipped a beat on Wednesday when defenseman Mattias Ohlund was removed from the roster of the Canucks official website, prompting rumours of a trade. A later email from the webmaster indicated it was a glitch due to Ohlund's absence from the team for personal reasons.

The upstart European hockey superleague that was reported a few weeks ago is one step closer to reality. On Wednesday, Bloomberg news reported that Vladislav Tretiak, the legendary goaltender who's now president of the Russian Hockey Federation, and energy tycoon Alexander Medvedev have signed an agreement to create the rival league by April 15. The rival league will be known as the Continental Hockey League, and will have 20 Russian teams and an undetermined number of foreign clubs. It's possible that this new league will attract some NHL players to play in Europe. Source