Ducks Sign Forward Parros to Three-Year Extension

The Anaheim Ducks announced on Thursday that they have signed right wing George Parros to a three-year contract extension worth $875,000 per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 45 games this season, his third with the Ducks, Parros has three goals and five assists for eight points and 74 penalty minutes. He won a Stanley Cup with the team in 2007. This is a solid signing for the Ducks, as Parros plays with a lot of toughness and physicality. He is a great character player for the Ducks and is quickly becoming a fan-favorite in Anaheim. Parros will only increase his popularity with the fans over the next three years and will likely be the team's top enforcer during that stretch.

Wild Acquire Fritsche from Rangers

The Minnesota Wild announced on Thursday that they have acquired center Dan Fritsche from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Erik Reitz. Given the Rangers' depth on offense this season, Fritsche has been limited to 16 games, scoring one goal and three assists for four points. Reitz has played in 31 games with the Wild this season, scoring one goal and one assists while accumulating 41 penalty minutes. This is a decent trade for both teams. Fritsche brings some offensive depth and speed to the Wild's struggling offense, while Reitz brings plenty of toughness to the Rangers' defense. However, it's somewhat puzzling that the Wild traded for Fritsche when they could have acquired him off waivers earlier in the week. While Reitz gives the Rangers some young toughness on defense, he won't address their struggles on the blueline. It would not be surprising to see the Rangers make a trade for an experienced defenseman by the trade deadline, and possibly offer up a forward to do so, such as Petr Prucha.

Red Wings Sign Zetterberg to 12-Year Extension

The Detroit Red Wings announced on Wednesday that they have re-signed left wing Henrik Zetterberg to a 12-year contract extension worth $72 million, making the longest contract in team history. The deal pays him between $7 and $8 million per season except in the final three years, he is scheduled to make $3 million, $1 million, and $1 million, respectively. So far this season, Zetterberg has scored 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points in 45 games played. He has played in a total of 400 NHL games, all with Detroit, scoring 169 goals and 206 assists for 375 points. Zetterberg helped lead the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup victory last season while winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He was also the runner-up in 2003 to Barrett Jackman for the Calder Trophy as rookie-of-the-year. This is a tremendous signing for the Red Wings. Zetterberg has clearly demonstrated that he is their franchise player with his exceptional puck-handling and passing skills and goal-scoring ability. The crafty forward obviously wanted to stay in Detroit and took a bit of a discount to do so, as he could have easily received offers in excess of $8 million on the free agent market this summer. However, given the size of the contract, it is unlikely that the Red Wings will have enough salary cap space to retain right wing Marian Hossa. With forwards Johan Franzen and Jiri Hudler still to be resigned for next season, the Red Wings will likely have to let Hossa walk via free agency, and could even lose Mikael Samuelsson to free agency as well. The only way they will be able to retain Hossa, Franzen, Hudler, and Samuelsson is if all four take major discounts to keep the team intact.

Maple Leafs and Wild Swap Minor Leaguers

The Minnesota Wild announced on Wednesday that they have acquired left wing Robbie Earl from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for left wing Ryan Hamilton. Earl, who has yet to play in an NHL game this season, played in nine games with the Maple Leafs last season, scoring one assist. Hamilton has never played an NHL game. Both players were assigned to their respective AHL affiliates after the trade. Not much to say about this trade. In acquiring Earl, the Wild have added more speed down the wing for their AHL affiliate in Houston. As for the Maple Leafs, Hamilton should give their AHL affiliate plenty of offensive depth down the wing.

Lightning Claim Defenseman Murphy Off Waivers from Panthers

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Monday that they have claimed defenseman Cory Murphy off re-entry waivers from the Florida Panthers. Murphy recently returned from a shoulder injury that put him out of action for 30 games. In eight games so far this season with both the Panthers and Lightning, he has two assists. Last season with the Panthers, also his first in the NHL, Murphy played in 47 games, scoring two goals and 15 assists for 17 points. In recent weeks, he had slipped down the depth chart of the Panthers defense and it was rumored the team was going to place him on waivers. Murphy will be a decent addition to the Lightning lineup. Not only will he provide depth and some offensive experience to the Lightning's young defense, he's an affordable addition since he was claimed off re-entry waivers and the team is only responsible for half of his remaining salary this season.

Oilers and Penguins Trade Goaltenders

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers swapped goaltenders on Saturday with the Oilers sending Mathieu Garon to the Penguins in exchange for Dany Sabourin, center Ryan Stone, and Pittsburgh's 4th round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The trade ends the speculation of which Oilers goalie would be traded, while it helps shore up the Penguins struggling goaltending. However, acquiring Sabourin puts the Oilers in a three-goalie dilemma again, but according to GM Steve Tambellini, he will either send Sabourin to their AHL affiliate in Springfield or trade him to another team. In 15 games so far this season, Garon has posted a 6-8-0 record with a 3.17 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage. Sabourin, who has played in 19 games so far this season, has a 6-8-2 record, with a 2.85 average and .898 save percentage. Stone has only played in two games this season, scoring no points and two penalty minutes. Garon should give the Penguins a boost in net, as Marc-Andre Fleury has struggled the past couple of weeks. Garon's veteran experience could help the Penguins jump back into the playoff picture. As for Sabourin, he likely won't see any action with the Oilers given Tambellini's comments. I've read on some message boards that some fans believe the Oilers may attempt to acquire goaltender Pascal Leclaire from the Columbus Blue Jackets given their recent waiver claim of Wade Dubielewicz from the New York Islanders and the Oilers' trading of Garon. I have to say, and sorry Oilers fans, but I do not believe Leclaire will end up in Edmonton, nor do I think the Oilers are interested in him. Leclaire is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and the rumor is he may be having season-ending surgery on his ankle. The Blue Jackets claimed Dubielewicz to account for their injured goaltender and would not risk trading Leclaire even if he returned from his injury given their closeness to making the playoffs. The Oilers will likely use Sabourin as trade bait and could use him to bring in some scoring depth for their struggling offense. If they're successful in trading him, the return may not be spectacular, but it could be enough to give the Oilers a bit of a boost to their forward lines. Also worth mentioning, it appears the Oilers will stick with Dwayne Roloson as their starter for the rest of the season given his strong play of late, unless they get an offer they can't refuse.

Islanders Sign Golatender Dubielewicz but Blue Jackets Claim Him Off Waivers

The New York Islanders cannot seem to catch a break this season with their goaltending. On Thursday, the Islanders signed goaltender Dubielewicz to a one-year contract due to injuries to Rick DiPietro and Joey MacDonald. However, he had to pass through waivers before he could suit up with the team and was claimed off waivers on Saturday by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dubielewicz played in 20 games last season with the Islanders, posting a 9-9-1 record with a 2.70 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. He signed a contract with Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League this past summer. In 21 KHL games, he posted an 11-8-3 record with a 2.77 goals-against average. The Blue Jackets' claiming of Dubielewicz off waivers comes amidst rumors that Pascal Leclaire may require season-ending ankle surgery. This is kind of a dirty move by the Blue Jackets, considering they could have claimed Vancouver goaltender Curtis Sanford off waivers this past week. Islanders' GM Garth Snow has to be absolutely livid right now, but there are other options for him to consider. He could keep going with Yann Danis and Peter Mannino as the goalie tandem, hoping that their play improves, or he make inquires to the Vancouver Canucks or Ottawa Senators regarding Curtis Sanford and Martin Gerber, respectively. Perhaps Snow could convince fellow GM's Mike Gillis and Bryan Murray to place the goaltenders on waivers, but I have a sneaking suspicion they could try to squeeze Snow for a draft pick. As for the Blue Jackets, Dubielewicz should be a fine addition to their goaltending corps. He will likely backup Steve Mason, who is having a stellar rookie season. Dubielewicz will give the Blue Jackets a solid backup for the rest of the season, but his and Mason's lack of playoff experience could spell any early playoff exit for the team if they manage to make the playoffs.

Brendan Shanahan Signs One-Year Deal with Devils

The New Jersey Devils announced on Wednesday that they have signed veteran right wing Brendan Shanahan to a one-year contract worth $800,000. Shanahan joined the Devils last weekend and began practicing with them in an attempt to earn a contract with the team, which will be his second stint with the team. He played the last two seasons with the New York Rangers but was not offered a contract by the team. During the off-season, Shanahan stated his intentions to want to resign with the Rangers and team General Manager Glen Sather repeatedly told him to hold on so they could make room for him. After four months of waiting, Shanahan decided to look elsewhere. It was rumored the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and St. Louis Blues were interested in signing him. In 20 NHL seasons, Shanahan has scored 650 goals and 690 assists for 1340 points and 2460 penalty minutes with the New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers. He won Stanley Cups with the Red Wings in 1997, 1998, and 2002. Shanahan should bring plenty of veteran depth to the Devils. Given his age and drop in productivity over the past two seasons, don't look for him to be a major contributor to the team offensively, but his physical presence and playoff experience will be valuable over the next few months. However, it's possible he could get an offensive boost playing with Zach Parise and Patrik Elias, but it still remains to be seen which line he will play on.

Blue Jackets Acquire Williams from Thrashers

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Wednesday that they have acquired right wing Jason Williams from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for defenseman Clay Wilson and the San Jose Sharks' 6th round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft, which was previously acquired by the Blue Jackets. In 41 games so far this season, Williams has seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points and eight penalty minutes. He was signed to a one-year contract by the Thrashers' this past summer. Wilson, who has played in five games so far this season and has one assist, was assigned to the Thrashers' AHL affiliate in Chicago. This is a good trade for the injury ravaged Blue Jackets. Williams will provide plenty of offensive depth for the team as well as bring plenty of experience to their power play. The Thrashers appear as if they are beginning to go into sell mode as the trade deadline approaches, as they are currently 14th in the Eastern Conference and 14 points out of the playoffs. It looks as if the Thrashers will miss the playoffs again, while the Blue Jackets are looking to make the playoffs for the first time in their existence, as they are currently sitting in the 8th spot in the Western Conference. A lot of their success this season can be given to the outstanding play of rookies Steve Mason, Derick Brassard, and Jakub Voracek. Don't be surprised if the Blue Jackets make more trades leading up to the trade deadline, as they are determined to make the playoffs this year.

Islanders Acquire Lessard from Thrashers for Skinner

The New York Islanders announced on Tuesday that they have acquired right wing Junior Lessard from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for defenseman Brett Skinner. Lessard, who has six goals and five assists for 11 points in 41 games, was assigned to the Islanders' AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. In 27 career NHL games with the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning, he has three goals and one assist for four points. Lessard has yet to appear in an NHL game this season. Skinner, in his first NHL season, has played in 11 games, scoring no points and four penalty minutes. There isn't much to say about this trade. It's merely one for the Islanders to boost their AHL affiliate with offensive depth and the Thrashers to bolster their defensive depth at the AHL level. Don't expect to see these two in the NHL for the rest of the season unless their respected teams become ravaged with injuries over the next couple of months.

Veteran Forward Kevyn Adams Retires

According to NHL.com, veteran center Kevyn Adams has retired after 10 seasons in the NHL and taken a job with a player agency. Last season, Adams played in 27 games with the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring two assists and accumulating 13 penalty minutes. He missed 53 games last season with a torn ACL. Adams was invited to the Blackhawks' training camp this past fall, but was released by the team following camp. In 540 NHL games, Adams scored 59 goals and 77 assists for 136 points and 317 penalty minutes with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Phoenix Coyotes, and Chicago Blackhawks. He won a Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006. Adams had a good career as a checking line center. He played a big role in helping the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup with his physical presence and should be very proud of all that he did in his career.

Thrashers Claim Peverley Off Waivers from Predators

The Atlanta Thrashers announced on Saturday that they have claimed center Rich Peverley off waivers from the Nashville Predators. The Predators had placed Peverley on waivers recently to make room for Steve Sullivan on the roster, who is scheduled to play his first NHL game in over a year on January 10 after undergoing back surgery. In 27 games so far this season, Peverley has two goals and seven assists for nine points. He still has one more year on his current contract. The Thrashers have nothing to lose on this waiver claim, as they have struggled offensively all season, and as a result, sit near the bottom of the standings. This move could work out for the struggling Thrashers, as Peverley has the skills to be a decent offensive contributor. For now, he will likely play on their third or fourth line.

Shanahan Joins Devils, But Not Under Contract

According to tsn.ca, free agent right wing Brendan Shanahan has joined the New Jersey Devils, but has not signed a contract yet. It is still not clear when or if Shanahan will sign a contract, and if he does, when he would be ready to play a game. According to team sources, details of him becoming part of the team will be worked out in the days to come while the Devils are in the midst of a six-game road trip. Shanahan, who began his NHL career with the Devils, spent the last two seasons with the New York Rangers and had been hoping to resign with them this past summer, but Rangers' General Manager Glen Sather was not interested in retaining the 39-year-old winger. It was rumored over the past few months that Shanahan, who wished to play for a team in the northeastern part of the nation, was being courted by the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and St. Louis Blues. In 1490 NHL games over 20 seasons, Shanahan has 650 goals and 690 assists for 1340 points and 2460 penalty minutes with the New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers. He won three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings in 1997, 1998, and 2002. Shanahan has been one of the most prolific goal scorers in NHL history, averaging 20-25 goals per season. After scoring 40 goals in the post-lockout 2005-06 season, he looked as if he was showing no signs of slowing down, but couldn't duplicate the success with the Rangers the past two seasons, scoring a combined 52 goals. If Shanahan does sign a contract with the Devils, it will likely be the last one he signs in his long NHL career, as he's definitely lost a step over the past few years. Still he will provide plenty of veteran depth for the Devils, especially going into the playoffs. Who knows? Shanahan could get a bit of an offensive boost from playing with the likes of Zach Parise and Patrik Elias, who are both enjoying standout seasons for the Devils. However, Shanahan may have to be willing to play for a very small contract, as the Devils are close to the salary cap, plus if they signed him to a contract, they would have to find a way to absorb it when Martin Brodeur returns from his elbow injury.

Blue Jackets Acquire Blunden from Blackhawks for Pineault

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Saturday that they have acquired left wing Michael Blunden from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for right wing Adam Pineault. Neither player has played a game in the NHL so far this season. Blunden was then immediately assigned to the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate in Syracuse. In 10 NHL games over two seasons with the Blackhawks, Blunden has no points and 10 penalty minutes, while Pineault has played in three games in one season with the Blue Jackets, scoring no points as well. Don't read too much into this trade. The Blue Jackets were likely looking for minor league depth and got it in Blunden. He should be a physical presence on the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate. As for Pineault, he could provide some decent offensive depth for the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate.

Penguins Sign Staal to Four-Year Extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Thursday that they have signed center Jordan Staal to a four-year contract extension worth $16 million, which averages out to $4 million per season. Staal was eligible for restricted free agency this summer and could have been a likely candidate for an offer sheet. Staal has struggled offensively this season, scoring 12 goals and 10 assists for 22 points in 42 games and only has one point in his last nine games played. The Penguins obviously still have high hopes for Staal, who has been the subject of trade rumors over the past year. They feel he has the potential to be a high-scoring forward and important part of the team's future. If Staal can improve his game over the next couple of seasons, he could be a bargain at $4 million per season. If he cannot turn his game around, he will an overpaid, 20-goal scorer that few teams may be interested in acquiring should he hit the trade block.

Senators' Ruutu Suspended two Games for Biting Incident

According to NHL.com, Ottawa Senators left wing Jarkko Ruutu has been suspended two games by the NHL for a biting incident that occurred during Ottawa's 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on January 6. The incident occurred during a first-period altercation between Ruutu and Sabres' left wing Andrew Peters along the boards. Television replays show that as the play moved up the boards, Peters began rubbing his glove in Ruutu's face. Ruutu then bit down on Peters' gloved thumb to get the Sabres' player away from him, breaking the skin in the process. Peters immediately retreated to the bench where he was tended to by the Sabres' medical staff. Ruutu denied biting Peters during an interview following the game. He will miss games on January 8 and 10 against the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, respectively. Ruutu will be eligible to return on January 13 when the Senators host the Carolina Hurricanes. This is the second time Ruutu has been suspended this season. He received a two-game suspension on November 12 for an elbow he delivered to the head of Montreal Canadiens' center Maxim Lapierre. Peters was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for rubbing his glove in Ruutu's face. This move by Ruutu was completely uncalled for and is a big embarrassment to the NHL and himself. There were plenty of other ways he could have dealt with the situation instead of biting Peters. This incident just goes to show that Ruutu plays without any class and has no respect for his opponents on the ice. He should be ashamed of what he did.

Maple Leafs Acquire May from Ducks

Brian Burke has made his first move as general manager of the Torono Maple Leafs. On Wednesday, the Maple Leafs acquired left wing Brad May from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional 6th round draft pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. Since taking over as the Maple Leafs' general manager in December, Burke has said the the team has needed more toughness in the lineup. In 20 games so far this season, May has five assists and 28 penalty minutes. In 963 career games, May has 126 goals and 159 assists for 285 points and 2121 penalty minutes with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Phoenix Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, and Anaheim Ducks. He won his first Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007. Burke's acquisition of May is a good one for the Maple Leafs, as he will provide lots of toughness and character to the team. May's veteran leadership will also be valuable to the relatively young Maple Leafs roster.

Canadiens Acquire Defenseman Kemp from Penguins

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Monday that they have acquired minor-league defenseman T.J. Kemp from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a conditional 7th round draft pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 22 games with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, Kemp has scored nine points and 22 penalty minutes. He will report to the Hamilton Bulldogs, the Canadiens' AHL affiliate. Kemp was signed by the Penguins this past summer to a one-year contract. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This trade is merely one for the Canadiens to add depth to their AHL affiliate. Don't look for Kemp to be called up by the Canadiens this season unless their defense gets ravaged with injuries, but he should provide solid defensive depth and experience for the Bulldogs.