European rumor update

Here's the latest version of Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Andrei Zyuzin has signed with SKA St. Petersburg for the 2008-2009 season. Source

Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Ryno will play for AIK in Sweden for the 2008-2009 season. Source

The New Jersey Devils have agreed to a contract with Finnish free agent Anssi Salmela. Salmela played for Team Finland at the 2008 IIHF World Championship. Source

There are rumors that Washington Capitals goalie Frederic Cassivi could be signing a deal with Nurnberg/Sinupret Ice Tigers of the DEL in Germany.

Forward Marek Kvapil has left the Tampa Bay Lightning organization and will play for HC Vitkovice of the Czech Extraliga. Source

Defenseman Martin Lojek has left the Florida Panthers organization and will play for HC Trinec of the Czech Extraliga. Source

Poll Results:

Which team will get their new coach first?

Sharks	23 (26%)
Maple Leafs	7 (7%)
Avalanche	19 (21%)
Panthers	4 (4%)
Senators	23 (26%)
Thrashers	5 (5%)
Other	7 (7%)

Total Votes: 88

Thanks to everyone who voted!

NHL trade rumor update Feb 26 3:00 AM EST

According to Bob McKenzie's blog on TSN.ca, the Chicago Blackhawks sent an email Monday night to the 29 other NHL teams indicating that 8 players were available. These 8 are Nikolai Khabibulin, Martin Havlat, Robert Lang, Tuomo Ruutu, Martin Lapointe, Yanic Perreault, Andrei Zyuzin, and Rene Bourque.

The NHL Experts Blog on Yahoo! is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning will send Brad Richards to the Dallas Stars for Mike Smith, forward Jeff Halpern and defenseman Mark Fistric. The same article quotes a "league executive" as the source. The article also makes the note that the Montreal Canadiens are about to land Atlanta Thrashers forward Marian Hossa, with Michael Ryder going to Atlanta. Rumors are flying that the Habs included young prospect Mikhail Grabovski in the deal. Source

Richards shopped, Hossa close to being a Hab?

According to La Presse, the Montreal Canadiens have ordered equipment for Marian Hossa. Reporter Mathias Brunet speculates that Mark Streit, Michael Ryder and a draft pick have been tossed around. Source

Pierre LeBrun of Sportsnet is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers have made a late bid for Hossa, and are interested if they can secure Hossa to a contract extension.

There are rumors that the Minnesota Wild are interested in acquiring Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen. GM Doug Risebrough and GM Jacques Martin were spotted huddled in "deep discussions" at the GM meetings in Florida.

Bob McKenzie of TSN is reporting that the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards. Source

Darren McCarty may be close to returning to the Detroit Red Wings. GM Ken Holland says Wednesday the team is "leaning toward offering him a contract." McCarty has been productive in comeback stints with the IHL Flint Generals and the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, where he recently scored a hat-trick. Source

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded defenseman Jim Vandermeer to the Calgary Flames for a third round pick in 2009. Source

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the Blackhawks are shopping defenseman Andrei Zyuzin. Source