Ice Scoopz: Friday Morning

Good morning to everyone, here's some news from around the hockey world to kick start your Friday morning.

*-> Veteran and former all star Owen Nolan has decided to play elsewhere this season as their hasn't been any serious interest from around the NHL for him which is surprising to me. The guy is a great leader and instantly improves any teams locker room. He can still produce as well which is why it's a shame to see him head to Europe but on the plus side he brings tough North American hockey overseas for fans to enjoy over there. Anyways Nolan has signed a 1 year deal with ZSC of the Swiss Liga this morning. I believe there is a release clause in his contract so there may be an off chance of a return this season. He reportedly said as long as he can play the game he will so maybe next year...

*-> Nigel Dawes of the Atlanta Thrashers has reportedly been sent down to the Chicago Wolves of the AHL by his parent club.

*-> Theres a rumor going around the Vancouver Canucks have been pushing Kevin Bieksa hard around the league. They reportedly are seeking a Eastern team to make a deal with. The New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens have all been linked this morning. Western teams such as Los Angeles and Minnesota still remain interested.

*-> The Nashville Predators wont like this news, Alexander Radulov has signed a contract exstention with his KHL team Salavat Yuleav UFA. The deal is reportedly in the millions and is a 3 year deal. Now I'm not too sure but didn't the KHL agree to abide by NHL contracts and Radulov is still under contract technically to the Preds on his last year on his entry level deal. I can't see this being good for KHL-NHL relations especially since Radulov has been telling the Nashville organization he would like to return in the future. There may be an NHL release clause but it's doubtful at this point. Radulov clearly likes being a star in his home land. This is still breaking news so the Russian papers that have reported this one may have jumped the gun or it may have been lost in translation.

*-> Thomas Greiss of the San Jose Sharks has been loaned to Brynnas of the Swedish Elite League by his club after Anti Niemi and Antero Nittymakki closed any doors he had for the starting position in San Jose. The Sharks reportedly tried to find a deal but there were no takers off the bat but once injuries start taking a toll expect some interest.