Red Wings Add Modano; Re-Sign Helm, Abdelkader, Tardif

The Detroit Red Wings have added some local flavor to the team by signing Livonia, Michigan native and veteran center Mike Modano to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million. In 59 games last season with the Dallas Stars, he had 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points. In 1459 career NHL games, all with the Stars, Modano has 557 goals and 802 assists for 1359 points. He won the Stanley Cup in 1999 with the Stars and is the NHL's all-time leading scorer among American-born players. The Red Wings also announced that they have re-signed center Darren Helm to a two-year contract worth $1.825 million, left wing Justin Abdelkader to a two-year contract, and right wing Jamie Tardif to a one-year deal. Helm's contract averages out to $912,500 per season, while the financial terms of Abdelkader's and Tardif's contracts were not disclosed.

These aren't bad signings for the Red Wings, as all four players will provide adequate depth at their respected positions. Modano brings plenty of veteran depth and leadership to the team, as well as great defensive skills on the forward lines. Look for him to center the third or fourth line next season. Helm brings a tremendous amount of speed, two-way skill, and a strong work ethic to the forward lines, while Abdelkader brings plenty of grit and two-way skill to the wing. Tardif possesses some grit and toughness, but given the amount of depth on the Red Wings' forward lines for next season, he will likely spend a considerable amount of time in the AHL.

Lightning Sign Forwards Bergenheim and Angelidis

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have signed left wing Sean Bergenheim to a one-year contract and left wing Mike Angelidis to a one-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. Bergenheim is not a bad signing for the Lightning as he will bring some decent two-way play to the wing. He also skates well and is versatile, as he can play on either wing. Angelidis is really just a depth singing for the team and will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Panthers Acquire T.J. Fast from Blues for Graham Mink

The Florida Panthers have announced that they have acquired defenseman T.J. Fast from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for right wing Graham Mink. In 18 games last season with Peoria of the AHL, Fast had one assist. He also appeared in 46 games with Alaska of the ECHL, scoring 10 goals and 21 assists for 31 points. Mink had 20 goals and 17 assists for 37 points last season with Rochester of the AHL. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as both players will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Panthers Sign Defensemen Weaver and Callahan

The Florida Panthers have announced that they have signed defenseman Mike Weaver to a two-year contract and defenseman Joe Callahan to a one-year contract worth $525,000. The financial terms of Weaver's contract were not disclosed. Weaver is not a bad depth signing for the Panthers, as he will bring plenty of defensive depth to the blueline. Callahan is nothing more than a depth signing for the team and will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

NY Islanders Re-Sign Forward Jon Sim

The New York Islanders have announced that they have re-signed left wing Jon Sim to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 77 games last season with the Islanders, he had 13 goals and nine assists for 22 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Islanders, as Sim brings some veteran experience to the wing. He plays with some grit, can chip in close to 15 goals a year, and is a versatile forward in that he can play on both wings, which makes him an effective third or fourth line player.

Ducks Sign Defenseman Andy Sutton to Two-Year Contract

The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they have signed defenseman Andy Sutton to a two-year contract worth $4.25 million. The deal averages out to $2.125 million per season. In 72 games last season with the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators, he had five goals and eight assists for 13 points and 107 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Ducks, as they were in desperate need of some veteran depth on defense after trading James Wisniewski to the New York Islanders. Sutton has considerable size, plays with plenty of grit and toughness, and has a good shot. He should be a decent addition to the Ducks' roster.

Sabres Sign Defenseman Shaone Morrisonn to Two-Year Deal

The Buffalo Sabres have announced that they have signed defenseman Shaone Morrisonn to a two-year contract worth $4.15 million. The deal averages out to $2.075 million per season. In 68 games last season with the Washington Capitals, he had one goal and 11 assists for 12 points and 68 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Sabres, as Morrisonn will add plenty of experience to their blueline. He has good size, plays with some toughness, and is a decent defensive defenseman, making him an effective player for Buffalo next season.

Oilers Re-Sign Deslauriers, Reddox

The Edmonton Oilers have announced that they have re-signed goaltender Jeff Deslauriers and left wing Liam Reddox to one-year contracts. The financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. In 48 games last season with the Oilers, Deslauriers posted a 16-28-4 record, three shutouts, a 3.26 GAA, and a .901 save percentage. Reddox appeared in nine games with Edmonton, scoring two assists. He also played in 70 games with Springfield of the AHL, scoring 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points. These aren't bad signings for the Oilers. Deslauriers has good size and after being forced into the starter's role last season, he showed that he is also a fairly sound goaltender. Reddox plays with lots of energy and is a versatile player, as he can play on both wings.

Sharks Re-Sign Setoguchi, Joslin; Add Mayers

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have re-signed right wing Devin Setoguchi to a one-year contract worth $1.8 million and defenseman Derek Joslin to a one-year contract. The team also announced that they have signed right wing Jamal Mayers to a one-year contract. The financial terms of Joslin's and Mayers' contracts were not disclosed. These aren't bad signings for the Sharks, as all three players bring sufficient depth to the club at their respected positions. Setoguchi brings plenty of offensive and goal-scoring skill, as well as speed to the lineup, while Mayers brings some much needed grit and toughness to the forward lines. Joslin has plenty of puck-moving skill and offensive potential, but may have to fight for a roster spot at training camp given the Sharks' depth on defense for next season.

Ducks Re-Sign Wisniewski, Then Trade Him to NY Islanders

The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they have avoided arbitration with defenseman James Wisniewski and re-signed him to a one-year contract worth $3.25 million. Immediately after signing him, the Ducks traded Wisniewski to the New York Islanders in exchange for a conditional third round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. In 69 games last season with Anaheim, he had three goals and 27 assists for 30 points and 56 penalty minutes. He missed three games last fall with a right shoulder injury and 10 games throughout the season because of separate suspensions. Not a bad move for the Islanders, as Wisniewski brings plenty of experience to their blueline. He also has some offensive upside and plays with some grit and toughness, making him a decent addition to New York's defense.

Canadiens Sign Defenseman Picard, Re-Sign Alex Henry

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed defenseman Alexandre Picard to a one-year, two-way contract and re-signed defenseman Alex Henry to a two-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. These aren't bad signings for the Canadiens, as both players will provide adequate defensive depth for the club. Picard has some puck-moving skill, while Henry brings lots of toughness and grit to the blueline. However, given the depth on the Canadiens' defense for next season, Picard and Henry will likely be competing for a roster spot at training camp, along with prospect P.K. Subban.

Flames Re-Sign Defenseman Ian White to One-Year Contract

The Calgary Flames have announced that they have avoided arbitration with defenseman Ian White and signed him to a one-year contract worth $2,999,995. He was acquired by the Flames from the Toronto Maple Leafs this past January in the Dion Phaneuf trade. In 83 games last season with the Flames and Maple Leafs, White had 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points and 51 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Flames, as White has plenty of offensive skill on the blueline. He's a decent puck-handler, has a good shot, and can score goals despite being prone to inconsistency at times.

Bruins Re-Sign Blake Wheeler to One-Year Deal

The Boston Bruins have announced that they have re-signed right wing Blake Wheeler to a one-year contract worth $2.2 million. He was awarded the deal in arbitration. In all 82 games last season with the Bruins, he had 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points. Not a bad signing for Boston, as Wheeler has the potential to become a power forward in the NHL. Despite struggling offensively at times last season, he has good size and the ability to score goals. If Wheeler works on his offensive game in the off-season, he could be ready for a break-out year in 2010-11.

Canucks Re-Sign Forward Bliznak

The Vancouver Canucks have announced that they have re-signed center Mario Bliznak to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He appeared in two games last season with the Canucks, scoring no points. He also played in 76 games with Manitoba of the AHL, scoring 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points. This is really just a depth signing for Vancouver, as Bliznak will likely spend most of next season in the minors, where he will provide plenty of checking line depth for Manitoba.

Senators Re-Sign Peter Regin and Chris Campoli

The Ottawa Senators have announced that they have avoided arbitration with center Peter Regin and re-signed him to a two-year contract worth $2 million. The deal averages out to $1 million per season. The team announced that they have also avoided arbitration with defenseman Chris Campoli and re-signed him to a one-year contract worth $1.4 million. These aren't bad signing for the Senators, as both players give the team plenty of depth at their respected positions. Regin has plenty of scoring upside and has good offensive instincts, while Campoli is a mobile defenseman with plenty of offensive skill on the blueline. Both players should have fine years with Ottawa next season as they continue to develop.

Sabres Re-Sign Kennedy, Then Buy Him Out

The Buffalo Sabres have announced that they have accepted an arbitrator's one-year, $1 million for center Tim Kennedy. The Sabres did not have the option to walk away from the deal because any arbitrator awarded contracts under $1,611,180 are automatically accepted. Buffalo then placed him on waivers, and when he cleared, bought out the contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. In 78 games last season with the Sabres, Kennedy had 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points. An interesting move by Buffalo, as one year, $1 million seemed to be an okay contract for Kennedy, but the team obviously didn't want to pay him that kind of money. He plays with lots of energy and has good playmaking skills, but is very undersized for the NHL. I imagine a team will likely sign him to a contract prior to the start of the 2010-11 season, as he still has plenty of upside.

Lightning Add Roy, Vernace, Moore, Re-Sign Mihalik

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have signed defensemen Mathieu Roy and Michael Vernace to one-year, two-way contracts and center Dominic Moore to a two-year contract. The team also announced that they have re-signed defenseman Vladimir Mihalik to a one-year, two-way contract. Moore, who is a hard worker on the ice, will bring plenty of two-way skill to the team's forward lines. Mihalik isn't a bad defensive depth signing, as he has tremendous size and strength and has the potential to become a shutdown defenseman. Roy and Vernace are really just depth signings for the Lightning and will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Blues Re-Sign D.J. King, Then Trade Him to Capitals

The St. Louis Blues have announced that they have re-signed left wing D.J. King to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Immediately after signing him, the Blues traded him to the Washington Capitals in exchange for prospect left wing Stefan Della Rovere. Not a bad move for the Blues to make, as Della Rovere plays the same style of hockey as King, but has more offensive potential. Aside from having some offensive potential, Della Rovere also plays a physical game, but given his age, he's still probably a couple years away from seeing any NHL action. King will bring plenty lots of toughness and physical play to the Capitals' lineup, but don't expect him to score very many points, as he doesn't have a lot of offensive upside.

Blackhawks Walk Away from Niemi, Blues Re-Sign Johnson, Islanders Buy Out Witt

Here are some of the top stories in the NHL for August 2, 2010:

• The Chicago Blackhawks have walked away from an arbitrator's one-year, $2.75 million contract handed out to goaltender Antti Niemi. He is now an unrestricted free agent who can sign with any team. To replace Niemi, the Blackhawks have signed free agent goaltender Marty Turco to a one-year contract worth $1.3 million.
• The St. Louis Blues have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Erik Johnson to a two-year contract worth $5.2 million. The deal averages out to $2.6 million per season.
• The New York Islanders have bought out the final year of defenseman Brendan Witt's contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. He was set to make $3 million next season.
• The Atlanta Thrashers have announced that they have traded forward Todd White to the New York Rangers in exchange for forwards Patrick Rissmiller and Donald Brashear. The Thrashers will reportedly place Brashear on waivers and buy out his contract if he clears.