RUMOR - As Aftonbladet reports, HV 71 has been working on replacing their defenseman Mattias Karlsson and apparently SC Bern's Marc-André Gragnani would be the first choice for the SHL team.

RUMOR - Niklas Persson seems to be in high demand in Sweden. Apart from Leksands IF and Linköping HC, Luleå Hockey seems now also to have thrown their hat into the ring, as Norrbottens Kuriren reports.

NLA/NLB - The Board of Directors of HC Lugano and HC Ambrì-Piotta have both rejected the recent proposals of HC Biasca, which would have seen the current First League club as a kind of joint farmteam in the National League B.

RUMOR - Just a few hours ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs have introduced Mike Babcock (ex-Red Wings) as their new head coach. According to TSN journalist Bob McKenzie, SC Bern's Guy Boucher might probably become Babcock's assistant.

KHL - Jonas Ahnelöv (photo) and Justin Azevedo have been rumoured to join the Swiss league as of next season. Both, however, have now signed with KHL-teams. Ahnelöv joins Avangard Omsk and Azevedo stays with AK Bars Kazan.