ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks for winning the 2013 Stanley Cup.

Congratulations to Conn Smythe Trophy winner Patrick Kane.


UPDATES


- The NHL Players Overseas for Lockout list is current as of 2:35 PM January 6, 2013.

- The 2012 Free Agents list and 2012 Free Agent Signings list are current as of 2:35 PM January 6, 2013.

- The 2011 Free Agents list and 2011 Free Agent Signings list are current as of 1:09 PM June 16, 2012.

- The Atlanta Thrashers have been re-designated Winnipeg on the 2011 Free Agents list. Any signings that were completed prior to May 31, 2011 will be listed as "Atlanta/Winnipeg." Any signings completed after May 31, 2011 will be listed as "Winnipeg."

- The 2010 Free Agents list and 2010 Free Agent Signings list are current as of 11:34 PM May 20, 2011.

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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Canada 2010 Olympic Roster

Here is the roster for Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Goaltenders (3)
Martin Brodeur, (New Jersey Devils, NHL)
Roberto Luongo, (Vancouver Canucks, NHL)
Marc-Andre Fleury, (Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL)

Defensemen (7)
Chris Pronger, (A) (Philadelphia Flyers, NHL)
Shea Weber, (Nashville Predators, NHL)
Brent Seabrook, (Chicago Blackhawks, NHL)
Scott Niedermayer, (C) (Anaheim Ducks, NHL)
Dan Boyle, (San Jose Sharks, NHL)
Drew Doughty, (Los Angeles Kings, NHL)
Duncan Keith, (Chicago Blackhawks, NHL)

Forwards (13)
Sidney Crosby, (A) (Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL)
Jarome Iginla, (A) (Calgary Flames, NHL)
Jonathan Toews, (Chicago Blackhawks, NHL)
Rick Nash, (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL)
Eric Staal, (Carolina Hurricanes, NHL)
Mike Richards, (Philadelphia Flyers, NHL)
Brenden Morrow, (Dallas Stars, NHL)
Dany Heatley, (San Jose Sharks, NHL)
Joe Thornton, (San Jose Sharks, NHL)
Ryan Getzlaf, (Anaheim Ducks, NHL)
Patrick Marleau, (San Jose Sharks, NHL)
Corey Perry, (Anaheim Ducks, NHL)
Patrice Bergeron, (Boston Bruins, NHL)

Switzerland 2010 Olympic Roster

Here is the roster for Switzerland at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Goaltenders (3)
Martin Gerber, Atlant Mytishchi (KHL)
Jonas Hiller, (Anaheim Ducks, NHL)
Tobias Stephan, Geneva-Servette

Defensemen (8)
Goran Bezina, Geneva-Servette
Severin Blindenbacher, Färjestad Karlstad (Swedish Elite League)
Rafael Diaz, EV Zug
Roman Josi, SC Bern
Luca Sbisa, (Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL)
Mathias Seger, ZSC Lions Zurich
Mark Streit, (New York Islanders, NHL)
Yannick Weber, (Hamilton Bulldogs, AHL)

Forwards (12)
Andres Ambühl, (Hartford Wolf Pack, AHL)
Thomas Déruns, Geneva-Servette
Hnat Domenichelli, HC Lugano
Sandy Jeannin, HC Fribourg-Gottéron
Thibaut Monnet, ZSC Lions Zurich
Thierry Paterlini, Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
Martin Plüss, SC Bern
Kevin Romy, HC Lugano
Ivo Rüthemann, SC Bern
Raffaele Sannitz, HC Lugano
Julien Sprunger, HC Fribourg-Gottéron
Roman Wick, Kloten Flyers

Germany 2010 Olympic Roster

Here is the roster for Germany at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Goaltenders (3)
Dennis Endras, Augsburger Panther (German Elite League)
Thomas Greiss, (San Jose Sharks, NHL)
Dimitri Patzold, ERC Ingolstadt (German Elite League)

Defensemen (8)
Michael Bakos, ERC Ingolstadt (German Elite League)
Christian Ehrhoff, (Vancouver Canucks, NHL)
Jakub Ficenec, ERC Ingolstadt (German Elite League
Jason Holland, DEG Metro Stars Düsseldorf (German Elite League)
Korbinian Holzer, DEG Metro Stars Düsseldorf (German Elite League)
Chris Schmidt, Adler Mannheim (German Elite League)
Dennis Seidenberg, (Florida Panthers, NHL)
Alexander Sulzer, (Nashville Predators, NHL)

Forwards (12)
Alexander Barta, Hamburg Freezers (German Elite League)
Sven Felski, Eisbären Berlin (German Elite League)
Marcel Goc, (Nashville Predators, NHL)
Philip Gogulla, (Portland Pirates, AHL)
Thomas Greilinger, ERC Ingolstadt (German Elite League)
Manuel Klinge, Kassel Huskies (German Elite League)
Marcel Müller, Kölner Haie (German Elite League)
Travis James Mulock, Eisbären Berlin (German Elite League)
André Rankel, Eisbären Berlin (German Elite League)
Marco Sturm, (Boston Bruins, NHL)
John Tripp, Hamburg Freezers (German Elite League)
Michael Wolf, Iserlohn Roosters (German Elite League)

Finland 2010 Olympic Roster

Here is the roster for Finland at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Goaltenders (3)
Niklas Backstrom, (Minnesota Wild, NHL)
Miikka Kiprusoff, (Calgary Flames, NHL)
Antero Niittymaki, (Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL)

Defensemen (7)
Lasse Kukkonen, Avangard Omsk (KHL)
Sami Lepisto, (Phoenix Coyotes, NHL)
Toni Lydman, (Buffalo Sabres, NHL)
Janne Niskala, Frölunda (Swedish Elite League)
Joni Pitkanen, (Carolina Hurricanes, NHL)
Sami Salo, (Vancouver Canucks, NHL)
Kimmo Timonen, (Philadelphia Flyers, NHL)

Forwards (13)
Valtteri Filppula, (Detroit Red Wings, NHL)
Niklas Hagman, (Calgary Flames, NHL)
Jarkko Immonen, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Olli Jokinen, (New York Rangers, NHL)
Niko Kapanen, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Mikko Koivu, (Minnesota Wild, NHL)
Saku Koivu, (Anaheim Ducks, NHL)
Jere Lehtinen, (Dallas Stars, NHL)
Antti Miettinen, (Minnesota Wild, NHL)
Ville Peltonen, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Jarkko Ruutu, (Ottawa Senators, NHL)
Tuomo Ruutu, (Carolina Hurricanes, NHL)
Teemu Selanne, (Anaheim Ducks, NHL)

Czech Republic 2010 Olympic Roster

Here is the roster for the Czech Republic at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Goaltenders (3)
Ondrej Pavelec, (Atlanta Thrashers, NHL)
Jakub Stepanek, HC Vitkovice
Tomas Vokoun, (Florida Panthers, NHL)

Defensemen (8)
Miroslav Blatak, Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)
Jan Hejda, (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL)
Tomas Kaberle, (Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL)
Filip Kuba, (Ottawa Senators, NHL)
Pavel Kubina, (Atlanta Thrashers, NHL)
Zbynek Michalek, (Phoenix Coyotes, NHL)
Roman Polak, (St. Louis Blues, NHL)
Marek Zidlicky, (Minnesota Wild, NHL)

Forwards (12)
Petr Cajanek, SKA Petrohrad
Roman Cervenka, HC Slavia
Patrik Elias, (New Jersey Devils, NHL)
Martin Erat, (Nashville Predators, NHL)
Tomas Fleischmann, (Washington Capitals, NHL)
Martin Havlat, (Minnesota Wild, NHL)
Jaromir Jagr, Avangard Omsk (KHL)
David Krejci, (Boston Bruins, NHL)
Milan Michalek, (Ottawa Senators, NHL)
Tomas Plekanec, (Montreal Canadiens, NHL)
Tomas Rolinek, Metallurg (KHL)
Josef Vasicek, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Slovakia 2010 Olympic Roster

Here is the roster for Slovakia at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Goaltenders (3)
Peter Budaj, (Colorado Avalanche, NHL)
Jaroslav Halak, (Montreal Canadiens, NHL)
Rastislav Stana, Severstal (KHL)

Defensemen (7)
Zdeno Chara, (Boston Bruins, NHL)
Milan Jurcina, (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL)
Richard Lintner, Dinamo Minsk (KHL)
Andrej Meszaros, (Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL)
Andrej Sekera, (Buffalo Sabres, NHL)
Martin Strbak, HC MVD (KHL)
Lubomir Visnovsky, (Edmonton Oilers, NHL)

Forwards (13)
Lubos Bartecko, SC Bern (Switzerland)
Branko Radivojevic, Spartak Moscow (KHL)
Martin Cibak, Spartak Moscow (KHL)
Pavol Demitra, (Vancouver Canucks, NHL)
Marian Gaborik, (New York Rangers, NHL)
Michal Handzus, (Los Angeles Kings, NHL)
Marian Hossa, (Chicago Blackhawks, NHL)
Marcel Hossa, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Tomas Kopecky, (Chicago Blackhawks, NHL)
Zigmund Palffy, HK 36 (Slovakia)
Jozef Stumpel, Barys Astana (KHL)
Miroslav Satan, (Boston Bruins, NHL)
Richard Zednik, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)

Norway 2010 Olympic Roster

Here is the roster for Norway at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Goaltenders (3)
Pål Grotnes, Stjernen
Andre Lysenstøen, Heki (Finnish Elite League)
Ruben Smith, Storhamar

Defensemen (7)
Alexander Bonsaken, Modo (Swedish Elite League)
Jonas Holøs, Färjestad (Swedish Elite League)
Tommy Jakobsen, Lørenskog
Juha Kaunismäki, Stavanger Oilers
Lars-Erik Lund, Vålerenga
Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, (Detroit Red Wings, NHL)
Mats Trygg, Kölner Haie (German Elite League)

Forwards (13)
Morten Ask, Nürnberg (German Elite League)
Anders Bastiansen, Färjestad (Swedish Elite League)
Kristian Forsberg, Modo (Swedish Elite League)
Mads Hansen, Brynäs (Swedish Elite League)
Marius Holtet, Färjestad (Swedish Elite League)
Lars-Erik Spets, Vålerenga
Mathis Olimb, Frölunda (Swedish Elite League)
Martin Røymark, Frölunda (Swedish Elite League)
Per-Åge Skrøder, Modo (Swedish Elite League)
Patrick Thoresen, Ufa Salavat (KHL)
Tore Vikingstad, Hannover (German Elite League)
Martin Laumann Ylven, Linköping (Swedish Elite League)
Mats Zuccarello Aasen, Modo (Swedish Elite League)

Latvia 2010 Olympic Roster

Here is the roster for Latvia at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Goaltenders (3)
Edgars Masalskis, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Ervins Mustukovs, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Sergejs Naumovs, (free agent)

Defensemen (8)
Oskars Bartulis, (Philadelphia Flyers, NHL)
Guntis Galvins, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Rodrigo Lavins, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Georgijs Pujacs, Sibir Novosibirsk (KHL)
Krisjanis Redlihs, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Arvids Rekis, Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg (German Elite League)
Karlis Skrastins, (Dallas Stars, NHL)
Kristaps Sotnieks, Dinamo Riga (KHL)

Forwards (12)
Girts Ankipans, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Armands Berzins, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Martins Cipulis, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Lauris Darzins, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Kaspars Daugavins, (Binghamton Senators, AHL)
Martins Karsums, (Norfolk Admirals, AHL)
Gints Meija, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Aleksandrs Nizivijs, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Mikelis Redlihs, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Aleksejs Sirokovs, Amur Khabarovsk (KHL)
Janis Sprukts, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Herberts Vasiljevs, Krefeld Pinguine (German Elite League)

Sweden 2010 Olympic Roster

Here is the roster for Sweden at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Goaltenders (3)
Henrik Lundqvist, (New York Rangers, NHL)
Jonas Gustavsson, (Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL)
Stefan Liv, Jonkoping (Swedish Elite League)

Defensemen (8)
Tobias Enstrom, (Atlanta Thrashers, NHL)
Magnus Johansson, Linkopings (Swedish Elite League)
Niklas Kronwall, (Detroit Red Wings, NHL)
Nicklas Lidstrom, (Detroit Red Wings, NHL)
Douglas Murray, (San Jose Sharks, NHL)
Johnny Oduya, (Atlanta Thrashers, NHL)
Mattias Ohlund, (Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL)
Henrik Tallinder, (Buffalo Sabres, NHL)

Forwards (12)
Daniel Alfredsson, (Ottawa Senators, NHL)
Nicklas Backstrom, (Washington Capitals, NHL)
Loui Eriksson, (Dallas Stars, NHL)
Peter Forsberg, MODO (Swedish Elite League)
Johan Franzen, (Detroit Red Wings, NHL)
Patric Hornqvist, (Nashville Predators, NHL)
Fredrik Modin, (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL)
Samuel Pahlsson, (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL)
Daniel Sedin, (Vancouver Canucks, NHL)
Henrik Sedin, (Vancouver Canucks, NHL)
Mattias Weinhandl, Moscow Dynamo (KHL)
Henrik Zetterberg, (Detroit Red Wings, NHL)

WILL NOT PLAY
Tomas Holmstrom, (Detroit Red Wings, NHL) (replaced by Johan Franzen)

Russia 2010 Olympic Roster

Here is the roster for Russia at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Goaltenders (3)
Evgeni Nabokov, (San Jose Sharks, NHL)
Ilya Bryzgalov, (Phoenix Coyotes, NHL)
Semyon Varlamov, (Washington Capitals, NHL)

Defensemen (8)
Sergei Gonchar, (Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL)
Fedor Tyutin, (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL)
Dmitry Kalinin, Salavat Yulayev (KHL)
Denis Grebeshkov, (Edmonton Oilers, NHL)
Anton Volchenkov, (Ottawa Senators, NHL)
Andrei Markov, (Montreal Canadiens, NHL)
Konstantin Korneyev, CSKA Moscow (KHL)
Ilya Nikulin, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)

Forwards (12)
Alex Ovechkin, (Washington Capitals, NHL)
Ilya Kovalchuk, (New Jersey Devils, NHL)
Evgeni Malkin, (Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL)
Maxim Afinogenov, (Atlanta Thrashers, NHL)
Alexander Semin, (Washington Capitals, NHL)
Pavel Datsyuk, (Detroit Red Wings, NHL)
Alexei Morozov, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Viktor Kozlov, Salavat Yulayev (KHL)
Alexander Radulov, Salavat Yulayev (KHL)
Danis Zaripov, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Sergei Zinoviev, Salavat Yulayev (KHL)
Sergei Fedorov, Metallurg (KHL)

Belarus 2010 Olympic Roster

Here is the roster for Belarus at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Goaltenders (3)
Vitali Koval, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Maxim Malyutin, HK Vitebsk
Andrei Mezin, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)

Defensemen (8):
Andrei Antonov, Shakhter Soligorsk
Andrei Bashko, Shakhter Soligorsk
Vladimir Denisov, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Viktor Kostiuchenok, Amur Khabarovsk (KHL)
Ruslan Salei, (Colorado Avalanche, NHL)
Nikolai Stasenko, Amur Khabarovsk (KHL)
Vadim Sushko, Shakhter Soligorsk
Alexander Syrei, Shakhter Soligorsk

Forwards (12)
Oleg Antonenko, Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg (KHL)
Sergei Demagin, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk (KHL)
Mikhail Grabovski, (Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL)
Alexei Kaliuzhny, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)
Konstantin Koltsov, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (KHL)
Andrei Kostitsyn, (Montreal Canadiens, NHL)
Sergei Kostitsyn, (Montreal Canadiens, NHL)
Alexander Kulakov, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Andrei Mikhalev, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Andrei Stas, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Alexei Ugarov, MVD Balashikha (KHL)
Sergei Zadelenov, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)

Monday, December 28, 2009

Capitals Ship Clark, Jurcina to Blue Jackets for Chimera

The Washington Capitals announced today that they have traded right wing and team captain Chris Clark and defenseman Milan Jurcina to the Columbus Blue Jackets for left wing Jason Chimera. In 38 games so far this season, Clark has four goals and 11 assists for 15 points, while Jurcina has played in 27 games, scoring four assists. Chimera has appeared in 39 games this season, scoring eight goals and nine assists for 17 points. Not a bad trade for both teams, but not an earth-shattering one by any means, although it's not too often you see a team trade their captain during the middle of a season. However, this move trims a little over $2 million from the Capitals' payroll, so this could be the prelude to a later trade for the team, as they could be in the market for a top-four defenseman. The Capitals could also use this extra salary cap space toward re-sign impending restricted free agents Nicklas Backstrom and Tomas Fleischmann. For the Blue Jackets, this trade was likely done to help pull the team out of their current losing skid, though it will likely take more than Clark and Jurcina to get the Blue Jackets back on a winning track. Chimera will bring plenty of gritty, two-way play to the Capitals' checking line, while Clark brings plenty of leadership and offensive depth to the Blue Jackets' offense. Jurcina brings plenty of defensive depth to Columbus' blueline which is currently without Rostislav Klesla and Marc Methot due to injuries.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Capitals Sign Semin to One-Year Extension

The Washington Capitals announced on Saturday that they have signed right wing Alexander Semin to a one-year contract extension. The deal is reportedly worth $6 million. He would have been a restricted free agent in the summer and could have been a likely candidate for an offer sheet from a rival team. In 29 games so far this season, Semin has 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points. In 283 career NHL games, all with the Capitals, he has 122 goals and 126 assists for 248 points. This is a great signing for the Capitals, as Semin has developed into a reliable scorer over the past few seasons and has helped make the team more competitive. With one key free agent re-signed, the Capitals will turn their attention in the coming months to re-signing Nicklas Backstrom, Tomas Fleischmann, Simeon Varlamov, and possibly Brendan Morrison. If the salary cap remains close to $56.8 million for next season, the Capitals would have roughly $20 million to re-sign these players, which should be enough to get them all signed to new contracts, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Coyotes Sign Free Agent Defenseman Eriksson

The Phoenix Coyotes have announced that they have signed free agent defenseman Anders Eriksson to a contract. Eriksson did not play in the NHL last season, instead appearing in 64 AHL games with the Quad City Flames, scoring four goals and 45 assists for 49 points and 60 penalty minutes. He has appeared in two games with the Coyotes since the signing, picking up one assist in his first game. In 554 career NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Phoenix Coyotes, he has 22 goals and 150 assists for 172 points. Eriksson had been playing with the Coyotes' AHL affiliate in San Antonio, so he was likely there on a tryout contract. This isn't a bad depth move on defense for the Coyotes. Eriksson's presence on the blueline gives the team another veteran to go along with the likes of Ed Jovanovski, Jim Vandermeer, and Adrian Aucoin. Look for Eriksson to play on the third defensive pairing, chipping in assists here and there throughout the season.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Flyers Claim Goalie Leighton Off Waivers from Hurricanes

The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have claimed goaltender Michael Leighton off re-entry waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes. Leighton's cap hit to the Flyers will be $200,000 since he was claimed off re-entry waivers. In seven games with the Hurricanes this season, he has posted a 1-4-0 record with a 4.28 GAA and a .848 save percentage. This will be his second stint with the Flyers. With Ray Emery sidelined for six weeks with an abdominal tear, the Flyers had been rumored in the market for a goaltender. The move is very cost-friendly for the Flyers, who are very close to the salary cap, but I'm not so sure Leighton will be very effective for the Flyers. Sure he will provide some experience in goal, but he hasn't been that impressive over the past few seasons, let alone played very much. According to a report this afternoon, the Montreal Canadiens had offered goaltender Jaroslav Halak to the Flyers, but the Flyers rejected the offer and opted to go for Leighton instead. The Canadiens were rumored interested in either a top-six forward or a second round draft pick. While trading for Halak would have been a better choice, the Flyers likely did not want to part with a forward or high draft pick, and instead, gave up nothing to land Leighton. While he was the cheapest option for the team, I have my doubts that Leighton will be effective for the Flyers and it would not surprise me if they start looking for another goalie in a couple of weeks. They should have traded for Halak instead.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Blue Jackets Acquire Bell, Kana from Blues for Pelletier

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have acquired defenseman Brendan Bell and center Tomas Kana from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for left wing Pascal Pelletier. None of these players have played in the NHL so far this season. Pelletier appeared in seven games last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring no points, while Bell played in 53 games with the Ottawa Senators last season, scoring six goals and 15 assists for 21 points. Kana has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a minor league deal for both teams, as Pelletier and Kana likely won't see much, if any, NHL action this season. Bell, on the other hand, could possibly see some action this season with the Blue Jackets. He is a decent seventh defenseman who can help out a team on the power play, so if injuries become a problem for the Blue Jackets' defense throughout the season, Bell would be a suitable replacement.

Capitals Claim Chris Bourque Off Waivers from Penguins

The Washington Capitals have announced that they have claimed left wing Chris Bourque off waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins had originally claimed him off waivers from the Capitals this past September. In 20 games so far this season, he has three assists and is currently assigned to the Capitals' AHL affiliate in Hershey. Not a bad depth move for the Capitals to reacquire one of their former prospects. The son of legendary Boston Bruins defenseman Ray Bourque has plenty of offensive skill and the potential to become a top-six forward in the NHL, but at 23, he is starting to run out of time to prove he has the skills to remain in the NHL full time. Perhaps the Capitals will give Bourque another chance to crack the lineup, as several of their forwards are still sidelined with injuries.

Blackhawks Extend Toews, Kane, Keith

The Chicago Blackhawks locked up three important pieces of their future by announcing multi-year contract extensions to center Jonathan Toews, right wing Patrick Kane, and defenseman Duncan Keith. Toews and Kane both signed five-year, $31.5 million deals, while Keith signed a 13-year contract worth $72 million. Toews and Kane's deals average out to $6.3 million per season, while Keith's averages out to $5.5 million per year. In 22 games so far this season, Toews has seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points, while Kane has nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points in 28 games. Keith has five goals and 18 assists for 23 points in 28 games so far this season. These are great signings for the Blackhawks, as Toews has exceptional goal-scoring skills and is a great leader on the ice, Kane has excellent offensive skills, especially on the power play, while Keith gives the team plenty of offensive production from the blueline. These signings will help keep the Blackhawks a competitive team for the foreseeable future. The major downside to these signings is that the Blackhawks are going to have to shed some salary during the offseason in order to accommodate the new contracts. Patrick Sharp, Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Seabrook, Cam Barker, and Brent Sopel have all been mentioned as possible trade candidates to help the Blackhawks trim their payroll. However, don't expect to see any of these players get traded until the summer, as Kane, Toews, and Keith's new contracts don't kick in until July 1 and if the Blackhawks are going to make a run for the Stanley Cup this season, they will need all of these players. It shouldn't be too hard for the team to move any of the aforementioned players during the summer, as they all have plenty of skill and don't have terribly expensive contracts.

Maple Leafs trade Tlusty to Hurricanes for Paradis

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have shipped left wing Jiri Tlusty to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the rights to center Philippe Paradis. Tlusty has appeared in only two games this season prior to the trade, scoring no points. He is currently assigned to the Hurricanes' AHL affiliate in Albany. In 74 career games, all with the Maple Leafs, he has 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points. Paradis was the Hurricanes' first pick in the 2009 draft, selected 27th overall. In 66 games last season with Sawinigan of the QMJHL, he scored 19 goals and 31 assists for 50 points and 74 penalty minutes. This could be a decent trade for both teams. Tlusty has plenty of offensive promise, but failed to live up to it in Toronto. Perhaps a change of scenery will help him get his career back on track, and if so, he could become one of the top wingers on the Hurricanes at some point in the future since the team will likely start rebuilding this summer. Paradis has lots of offensive upside and toughness, which will give the Maple Leafs another talented center to help them rebuild their team.

Rangers Claim Christensen Off Waivers from the Ducks

The New York Rangers have announced that they have claimed center Erik Christensen off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks. This move comes in the wake of the Ducks acquiring center Kyle Chipchura from the Montreal Canadiens, thus making Christensen expendable. In only 11 games so far this season, Christensen has yet to record a point. He has been a healthy scratch for much of the season and had recently popped up in trade rumors. This is really just a depth move for the Rangers, as Christensen has struggled to put up decent offensive numbers that past two seasons. Perhaps a change of scenery will help him gain some offensive flair, but for now, he will likely center the third or fourth line.

Ducks Acquire Chipchura from Canadiens

The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they have acquired center Kyle Chipchura from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a fourth round draft pick in 2011. Chipchura has struggled this season, scoring no points in 21 games so far. The verdict is still out on this trade. Chipchura was once of the Canadiens' top prospects for several years and was projected to become a highly skilled forward, but has struggled to put up decent numbers at the NHL level. Perhaps a change of scenery will help him get his career back on track and he will definitely get a chance at a fresh start with the rebuilding Ducks. For now, Chipchura will likely give the team fourth line depth in the wake of them losing Erik Christensen to the New York Rangers via waivers.

Sharks Claim Leach Off Waivers from Canadiens

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have claimed defenseman Jay Leach off waivers from the Montreal Canadiens. The Sharks make the third team Leach has played for so far this season, previously being claimed off waivers by the Canadiens from the New Jersey Devils in November. He has no points and five penalty minutes in seven games so far this season. This is really nothing more than a depth move for the Sharks to give them a little more experience and toughness on the blueline.