NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 12, 2009

According to the New York Post, NHL general managers have given their approval to the Rangers' request for a compensatory pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in the wake of the death of 2007 first-round selection Alexei Cherepanov. Brochu's take: While technically in the CBA, (teams unable to sign their first round picks get a pick anyways) the way that this whole thing went down seemed a bit sketchy. Source

TSN's Ice Chips is reporting that Nashville Predators general manager David Poile left the door open for a possible return to the team by Alexander Radulov. Radulov's team in the KHL was eliminated from the playoffs earlier this week. Radulov has one year remaining on his contract with Nashville and would not need to clear waivers to rejoin the team. Brochu's take: I doubt it. Both sides haven't talked to each other in months, and by all accounts, Radulov is happy in Russia. Source

Miroslav Satan's future is still unclear. He's been demoted by the Pittsburgh Penguins to their AHL affiliate, but has not asked him to report. There's a possibility that the Pens could call Satan up on re-entry waivers, but the team can't fit him under their salary cap. An annoucement is expected tomorrow. Brochu's take: A suspension is possible if he doesn't report, in which case the Penguins don't have to pay his salary. Source

The Vancouver Sun is reporting that contract talks between GM Mike Gillis and the Sedin twins are at a standstill, and talks may be shut down until the end of the playoffs. Brochu's take: I think they will re-sign at slightly under market value. Despite some stupid GMs out there, it's hard to see if anyone is willing to shell out > $11 million for these two. Source

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Gary Roberts has officially retired from the NHL.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 10, 2009

The Montreal Canadiens have fired head coach Guy Carbonneau, and GM Bob Gainey will take over for the rest of the season. Associate coach Doug Jarvis, along with assistant coaches Kirk Muller and Roland Melanson will all be staying with the club. In addition, the Canadiens have added the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs head coach Don Lever to their staff. Brochu's take: Gainey did this probably to save his own job, which is in danger if the Habs don't make a hard run to the Stanley Cup. Darren Dreger of TSN speculates that this move came from ownership and the fact that the players stopped playing for Carbonneau. I believe that Gainey's inability to bring in more depth at the trade deadline will ultimately cost him his job.

The Dallas Stars have re-signed forward Brian Sutherby to a two-year, $1.625 million contract extension.

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 Mar 7, 2009

The Philadelphia Flyers have nullified the trade they made on March 4 for defenceman Kyle McLaren. The 31-year-old did not pass his physical, according to Flyers GM Paul Holmgren. McLaren had been sent to Philadelphia from San Jose in exchange for a sixth round pick at this year's draft. TSN is reporting that McLaren will be sent to the Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms. Brochu's take: I don't remember this happening in recent memory. It's strange that even though the transaction has been nullified, McLaren is still being sent to Philly's AHL affiliate. Source

Gary Roberts is expected to announce his retirement officially on Monday. The 42-year old cleared waivers on Wednesday and will not play another game for the Tampa Bay Lightning this season. Brochu's take: Roberts' has had a fantastic career, and to see him retire in the middle of the NHL season is not fitting for a warrior like him.

The Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Craig Schira to a three-year, entry-level contract. The blueliner has scored 16 goals and 39 assists in 65 games with the WHL Vancouver Giants. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 6, 2009

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed free agent forward Jeff Hamilton for the rest of the season. Brochu's take: A curious move, coming after the NHL trade deadline. He's likely a roster filler so the Leafs don't have to use their callups.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Florida Panthers were weighing two offers for defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who was ultimately not traded. The Vancouver Canucks were willing to give up forward Mason Raymond and a 1st rounde draft pick. It's believed that Florida wanted either defensemen Kevin Bieksa or Alex Edler included and GM Mike Gillis wasn't willing to make the move. The Philadelphia Flyers were offering Joffrey Lupul or Scottie Upshall along with prospect James van Riemsdyk and a 1st round pick. The Panthers wanted Scott Hartnell. Upshall was eventually traded to the Phoenix Coyotes. Brochu's take: In my opinion, GM Jacques Martin will regret not getting something for Bouwmeester. He's already turned down a contract offer, and even if the Panthers make the playoffs, it's not guaranteed they'll make it far. However, I do think that Bouwmeester's negotiation rights will be offered in the summer, likely for a draft pick. Source

The Washington Post's Tarik El-Bashir is reporting that the Capitals had talked to the Anaheim Ducks about acquiring Chris Pronger, but the asking price was much too high. The Ducks wanted defenseman Karl Alzner, goalie Simeon Varlamov and prospect John Carlson. Brochu's take: That would fall in line with Pronger's supposed asking price. Look for a similar type of package by other NHL teams this summer, when Pronger will be available. Source