2011 NHL Super Skills Competition Results

Here are the results for the 2011 NHL Super Skills Competition, which was held on Saturday, January 29, 2011.

WINNERS
Fastest Skater: Michael Grabner, F - Team Staal (New York Islanders)
Breakaway Challenge: Alex Ovechkin, F - Team Staal (Washington Capitals)
Accuracy Shooting: Daniel Sedin, F - Team Staal (Vancouver Canucks)
Skills Challenge Relay: Team Lidstrom
Hardest Shot: Zdeno Chara, D - Team Staal (Boston Bruins)
Elimination Shootout: Corey Perry, F - Team Staal (Anaheim Ducks)


FASTEST SKATER
Event Winner: Michael Grabner, F - Team Staal (New York Islanders) - 14.238 seconds

Backward Skating
Duncan Keith, D - Team Lidstrom - 16.167 seconds
Kris Letang, D - Team Staal - 16.132 seconds (winner)

Rookies
Taylor Hall, F - Team Lidstrom - 14.621 seconds
Michael Grabner, F - Team Staal - 14.061 seconds (winner)

Goalies
Tim Thomas, G - Team Lidstrom - fell (disqualified)
Cam Ward, G - Team Staal - 18.895 seconds (winner)

Forward Skating
Martin St. Louis, F - Team Lidstrom - 14.763 seconds (winner)
Ryan Kesler, F - Team Staal - 14.786 seconds

Steven Stamkos, F - Team Lidstrom - 14.731 seconds (winner)
Mike Green, D - Team Staal - 15.200 seconds

Matt Duchene, F - Team Lidstrom - 14.779 seconds (winner)
Marc Staal, D - Team Staal - fell (disqualified)

Tie-Breaker
Taylor Hall, F - Team Lidstrom - 14.715 seconds
Michael Grabner, F - Team Staal - 14.238 seconds (winner)

SCORE AFTER EVENT: Team Staal 5, Team Lidstrom 3


BREAKAWAY CHALLENGE (Determined by fan votes on most creative shot)
Event Winner: Alex Ovechkin, F - Team Staal (Washington Capitals) - 38.5%

Goalies: Marc-Andre Fleury - Team Lidstrom, Carey Price - Team Staal

Rookies
P.K. Subban, D - Team Staal - 21.3%
Evgeny Dadonov, F - Team Lidstrom - 2.1%

All-Stars
Corey Perry, F - Team Staal - 12.2%
Anze Kopitar, F - Team Lidstrom - 12.5%
Alex Ovechkin, F - Team Staal - 38.5%
Loui Eriksson, F - Team Lidstrom - 13.4%

SCORE AFTER EVENT: Team Staal 12, Team Lidstrom 4


ACCURACY SHOOTING (Fastest shooter to hit 4 targets)
Event Winner: Daniel Sedin, F - Team Staal (Vancouver Canucks) - 8.9 seconds

Passers: Nicklas Lidstrom, Danny Briere - Team Lidstrom
Passers: Dan Boyle, Paul Stastny - Team Staal

Shooters

Heat 1
Brad Richards, F - Team Lidstrom
Ryan Kesler, F - Team Staal - 9.6 seconds (winner)

Heat 2 (Rookies)
Derek Stepan, F - Team Lidstrom
Logan Couture, F - Team Staal - 12.4 seconds (winner)

Heat 3
Jonathan Toews, F - Team Lidstrom - 8.8 seconds (winner)
Patrick Sharp, F - Team Staal

Heat 4
Phil Kessel, F - Team Lidstrom
Rick Nash, F - Team Staal - 17.9 seconds (winner)

Heat 5
Patrick Kane, F - Team Lidstrom - 8.7 seconds (winner)
Eric Staal, F - Team Staal

Heat 6
Martin Havlat, F - Team Lidstrom
Daniel Sedin, F - Team Staal - 7.3 seconds (winner)

Heat 7 (Final)
Patrick Kane, F - Team Lidstrom
Daniel Sedin, F - Team Staal - 8.9 seconds (winner)

SCORE AFTER EVENT: Team Staal 18, Team Lidstrom 6


SKILLS CHALLENGE RELAY
Event Winner: Team Lidstrom - 2:09

Relay 1 (Left-handed shooters)

Team Lidstrom - 2:09
Nicklas Lidstrom, D - blue line shooter
Brad Richards, F - mid shooter
Loui Eriksson, F - side net shooter
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D - one-timer passer
Henrik Sedin, F - little net passing
Martin St. Louis, F - stickhandling around cones
Matt Duchene, F - stickhandling around pucks
Jonathan Toews, F - target shooting

Team Staal - 2:18
Zdeno Chara, D - blue line shooter
Eric Staal, F - mid shooter
Daniel Sedin, F - side net shooter
Erik Karlsson, D - one-timer passer
Dan Boyle, D - little net passing
Tyler Ennis, F - stickhandling around cones
Paul Stastny, F - stickhandling around pucks
Corey Perry, F - target shooting

Relay 2 (Right-handed shooters)

Team Lidstrom - 2:33
Shea Weber, D - blue line shooter
Dustin Byfuglien, D - mid shooter
Phil Kessel, F - side net shooter
Martin Havlat, F - one-timer passer
Patrick Kane, F - little net passing
Keith Yandle, D - stickhandling around cones
Kevin Shattenkirk, D - stickhandling around pucks
Danny Briere, F - target shooting

Team Staal - 2:34
Kris Letang, D - blue line shooting
Mike Green, D - mid shooter
Claude Giroux, F - side net shooter
Patrik Elias, F - one-timer passer
Jamie McBain, D - little net passing
David Backes, F - stickhandling around cones
Marc Staal, D - stickhandling around pucks
Jeff Skinner, F - target shooting

SCORE AFTER EVENT: Team Staal 21, Team Lidstrom 11


HARDEST SHOT
Event Winner: Zdeno Chara - Team Staal (Boston Bruins) - 105.9 MPH (new record)

Heat 1
Brent Burns, D - Team Lidstrom - 98.4 MPH (winner)
David Backes, F - Team Staal - 96.9 MPH

Heat 2
Cam Fowler, D - Team Lidstrom - 93.8 MPH
Tyler Seguin, F - Team Staal - 97.1 MPH (winner)

Heat 3
Anze Kopitar, F - Team Lidstrom - 94.5 MPH
Patrick Sharp, F - Team Staal - 94.6 MPH (winner)

Heat 4
Shea Weber, D - Team Lidstrom - 104.8 MPH (winner)
Zdeno Chara, D - Team Staal - 104.1 MPH

Heat 5
Dustin Byfuglien, D - Team Lidstrom - 102.4 MPH (winner)
Rick Nash, F - Team Staal - 91.4 MPH

Heat 6
Steven Stamkos, F - Team Lidstrom - 101.9 MPH (winner)
Alex Ovechkin, F - Team Staal - 98.2 MPH

Heat 7 (Final)
Shea Weber, D - Team Lidstrom - 103.0 MPH
Zdeno Chara, D - Team Staal - 105.9 MPH (winner) (new record)

SCORE AFTER EVENT: Team Staal 25, Team Lidstrom 15


ELIMINATION SHOOTOUT
Event Winner: Corey Perry, F - Team Staal (Anaheim Ducks) - 3 goals

Round 1

Team Lidstrom Shooters vs. Carey Price
Taylor Hall, F - Save (eliminated)
Henrik Sedin, F - Save (eliminated)
Keith Yandle, D - Save (eliminated)
Dustin Byfuglien, D - Goal
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D - Save (eliminated)
Phil Kessel, F - Save (eliminated)
Evgeni Dadonov, F - Save (eliminated)
Danny Briere, F - Goal

Team Lidstrom Shooters vs. Henrik Lundqvist
Loui Eriksson, D - Save (eliminated)
Derek Stepan, F - Save (eliminated)
Brad Richards, F - Save (eliminated)
Brent Burns, D - Save (eliminated)
Duncan Keith, D - Save (eliminated)
Steven Stamkos, F - Save (eliminated)
Anze Kopitar, F - Save (eliminated)
Martin St. Louis, F - Goal

Team Lidstrom Shooters vs. Cam Ward
Patrick Kane, F - Goal
Nicklas Lidstrom, D - Save (eliminated)
Matt Duchene, F - Save (eliminated)
Kevin Shattenkirk, D - Goal
Cam Fowler, D - Save (eliminated)
Shea Weber, D - Save (eliminated)
Martin Havlat, F - Goal
Jonathan Toews, F - Save (eliminated)

Team Staal Shooters vs. Marc-Andre Fleury
Ryan Kesler, F - Save (eliminated)
Tyler Ennis, F - Save (eliminated)
Dan Boyle, D - Save (eliminated)
Jeff Skinner, F - Save (eliminated)
Daniel Sedin, F - Save (eliminated)
Kris Letang, D - Save (eliminated)
P.K. Subban, D - Goal
Jamie McBain, D - Save (eliminated)

Team Staal Shooters vs. Henrik Lundqvist
Corey Perry, F - Goal
Michael Grabner, F - Save (eliminated)
Marc Staal, D - Save (eliminated)
Tyler Seguin, F - Save (eliminated)
Rick Nash, F - Goal
Mike Green, D - Save (eliminated)
Paul Stastny, F - Save (eliminated)
Patrik Elias, F - Save (eliminated)

Team Staal Shooters vs. Tim Thomas
Alex Ovechkin, F - Save (eliminated)
David Backes, F - Save (eliminated)
Logan Couture, F - Goal
Erik Karlsson, D - Goal
Claude Giroux, F - Save (eliminated)
Zdeno Chara, D - Save (eliminated)
Patrick Sharp, F - Save (eliminated)
Eric Staal, F - Goal

Round 2

Team Lidstrom Shooters vs. Carey Price
Dustin Byfuglien, D - Save (eliminated)
Danny Briere, F - Save (eliminated)
Martin St. Louis, F - Goal

Team Lidstrom Shooters vs. Henrik Lundqvist
Patrick Kane, F - Save (eliminated)
Kevin Shattenkirk, D - Save (eliminated)
Martin Havlat, F - Save (eliminated)

Team Staal Shooters vs. Marc-Andre Fleury
P.K. Subban, D - Save (eliminated)
Corey Perry, F - Goal
Rick Nash, F - Save (eliminated)

Team Staal Shooters vs. Jonas Hiller
Logan Couture, F - Save (eliminated)
Erik Karlsson, D - Save (eliminated)
Eric Staal, F - Save (eliminated)

Round 3

Team Lidstrom Shooters vs. Cam Ward
Martin St. Louis, F - Save (eliminated)

Team Staal Shooters vs. Tim Thomas
Corey Perry, F - Goal (winner)

SCORE AFTER EVENT: Team Staal 33, Team Lidstrom 22

FINAL SCORE: Team Staal 33, Team Lidstrom 22

NY Islanders Sign Matt Moulson to Three-Year Extension

The New York Islanders announced on Thursday that they have signed left wing Matt Moulson to a three-year contract extension worth $9.4 million. The deal averages out to $3.13 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 49 games so far this season, he has 17 goals and 12 assists for 29 points. Not a bad signing for the Islanders, as Moulson has become a decent offensive contributor for the team. He's a decent goal-scorer with a good shot and works very hard on the ice. He should continue to be one of the Islanders' top offensive producers over the next three years.

Capitals Sign Alexander Semin to One-Year Extension

The Washington Capitals announced today that they have signed right wing Alexander Semin to a one-year contract extension worth $6.7 million, a slight raise over the $6 million he is making this season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 39 games so far this season, he has 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points. He is currently sidelined with a hip injury, but Capitals GM George McPhee hopes Semin will return to the lineup after the all-star game. In 366 career NHL games, all with Washington, he has 166 goals and 169 assists for 335 points. This is a good signing for the Capitals, as Semin is a very offensively skilled player. He's a great goal-scorer, owns a very impressive shot, and is excellent on the power play. Despite being a little streaky in his scoring, Semin should be one of the top offensive producers in Washington next season.

2011 NHL All-Star Game Rosters

Here is a list of the players who have been selected to appear in the 2011 NHL All-Star game in Raleigh, North Carolina on January 30. The first six players have already been determined based on fan votes. The remaining 36 players will be unveiled on January 11, as well as the 12 NHL rookies who will participate with the NHL All-Stars in the SuperSkills competition. In approximately two weeks, the captains of each team will be named, as well as the alternate captains. Here are the six players who received the most fan votes and are now scheduled to appear in the All-Star Game, followed by the rest of the players in alphabetical order:

FORWARDS
Jonathan Toews, C - Chicago Blackhawks (407,676 votes)
David Backes, RW - St. Louis Blues (1st appearance)
Danny Briere, C - Philadelphia Flyers
Matt Duchene, C - Colorado Avalanche (1st appearance)
Patrik Elias, LW - New Jersey Devils
Loui Eriksson, LW - Dallas Stars (1st appearance)
Claude Giroux, RW - Philadelphia Flyers (1st appearance)
Martin Havlat, RW - Minnesota Wild
Patrick Kane, RW - Chicago Blackhawks (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)
Ryan Kesler, C - Vancouver Canucks (1st appearance) (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)
Phil Kessel, RW - Toronto Maple Leafs (1st appearance)
Anze Kopitar, C - Los Angeles Kings
Rick Nash, RW - Columbus Blue Jackets
Alex Ovechkin, LW - Washington Capitals
Corey Perry, RW - Anaheim Ducks
Brad Richards, C - Dallas Stars (1st appearance)
Daniel Sedin, LW - Vancouver Canucks (1st appearance)
Henrik Sedin, C - Vancouver Canucks
Patrick Sharp, LW - Chicago Blackhawks (1st appearance)
Jeff Skinner, RW - Carolina Hurricanes (1st appearance)
Martin St. Louis, RW - Tampa Bay Lightning (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)
Eric Staal, C - Carolina Hurricanes (CAPTAIN)
Steven Stamkos, C - Tampa Bay Lightning (1st appearance)
Paul Stastny, C - Colorado Avalanche

DEFENSEMEN
Kris Letang, D - Pittsburgh Penguins (477,960 votes) (1st appearance)
Duncan Keith, D - Chicago Blackhawks (382,162 votes)
Dan Boyle, D - San Jose Sharks
Brent Burns, D - Minnesota Wild (1st appearance)
Dustin Byfuglien, D - Atlanta Thrashers (1st appearance)
Zdeno Chara, D - Boston Bruins
Mike Green, D - Washington Capitals (1st appearance) (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)
Erik Karlsson, D - Ottawa Senators (1st appearance)
Nicklas Lidstrom, D - Detroit Red Wings (CAPTAIN)
Marc Staal, D - New York Rangers (1st appearance)
Shea Weber, D - Nashville Predators
Keith Yandle, D - Phoenix Coyotes (1st appearance)

GOALTENDERS
Marc-Andre Fleury, G - Pittsburgh Penguins (426,305 votes) (1st appearance)
Jonas Hiller, G - Anaheim Ducks (1st appearance)
Henrik Lundqvist, G - New York Rangers
Carey Price, G - Montreal Canadiens
Tim Thomas, G - Boston Bruins
Cam Ward, G - Carolina Hurricanes (1st appearance)

COACHES
Joel Quenneville, Chicago Blackhawks
Mike Haviland, Chicago Blackhawks (assistant coach)

Alain Vigneault, Vancouver Canucks
Peter Laviolette, Philadelphia Flyers

NOTE: Quenneville and Haviland get to coach one all-star team because of Chicago winning the 2010 Stanley Cup. Vigneault and Laviolette get to co-coach the other team because their respected teams have the highest winning percentages in the Western and Eastern Conferences going into Saturday, January 8, 2011.


TEAM LIDSTROM

Nicklas Lidstrom, D (CAPTAIN)
Patrick Kane, RW (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)
Martin St. Louis, RW (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)
1st - Steven Stamkos, C
2nd - Duncan Keith, D
3rd - Henrik Sedin, C
4th - Shea Weber, D
5th - Tim Thomas, G
6th - Danny Briere, C
7th - Dustin Byfuglien, D
8th - Jonathan Toews, C
9th - Marc-Andre Fleury, G
10th - Jonas Hiller, G
11th - Brad Richards, C
12th - Keith Yandle, D
13th - Brent Burns, D
14th - Martin Havlat, RW
15th - Anze Kopitar, C
16th - Matt Duchene, C
17th - Loui Eriksson, LW
18th - Phil Kessel, RW (last player picked)
Coaches: Alain Vigneault, Peter Laviolette


TEAM STAAL

Eric Staal, C (CAPTAIN)
Mike Green, D (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)
Ryan Kesler, C (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)
1st - Cam Ward, G (first player picked)
2nd - Alex Ovechkin, LW
3rd - Daniel Sedin, LW
4th - Zdeno Chara, D
5th - Rick Nash, RW
6th - Henrik Lundqvist, G
7th - Marc Staal, D
8th - Patrick Sharp, LW
9th - Dan Boyle, D
10th - Carey Price, G
11th - Jeff Skinner, RW
12th - Kris Letang, D
13th - Claude Giroux, RW
14th - Erik Karlsson, D
15th - Corey Perry, RW
16th - Patrik Elias, LW
17th - David Backes, RW
18th - Paul Stastny, C
Coaches: Joel Quenneville, Mike Haviland


The following players who were scheduled to play in the 2011 All-Star Game will not be participating:

Sidney Crosby, C - Pittsburgh Penguins (635,509 votes) (concussion) (replaced by Martin Havlat)
Tobias Enstrom, D - Atlanta Thrashers (broken hand) (replaced by Keith Yandle)
Ales Hemsky, RW - Edmonton Oilers (concussion) (replaced by Jeff Skinner)
Jarome Iginla, RW - Calgary Flames (family reasons) (replaced by Danny Briere)
Evgeni Malkin, C - Pittsburgh Penguins (376,887 votes) (sore knee/sinus infection) (replaced by Paul Stastny)


The 12 NHL rookies selected to only participate in the NHL SuperSkills Competition:

Logan Couture, C - San Jose Sharks
Evgeny Dadonov, RW - Florida Panthers
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D - Phoenix Coyotes
Tyler Ennis, LW - Buffalo Sabres
Cam Fowler, D - Anaheim Ducks
Michael Grabner, RW - New York Islanders
Taylor Hall, LW - Edmonton Oilers
Jamie McBain, D - Carolina Hurricanes
Tyler Seguin, C - Boston Bruins
Kevin Shattenkirk, D - Colorado Avalanche
Derek Stepan, C - New York Rangers
P.K. Subban, D - Montreal Canadiens

The following rookies who were scheduled to participate in the NHL SuperSkills Competition and will not be participating:

Jordan Eberle, RW - Edmonton Oilers (sprained left ankle/appendectomy) (replaced by Jamie McBain)
Jeff Skinner, RW - Carolina Hurricanes (replacing Ales Hemsky in the All-Star Game) (replaced by P.K. Subban)

NY Islanders Claim Evgeni Nabokov Off Waivers from Red Wings

The New York Islanders announced today that they have claimed goaltender Evgeni Nabokov off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings. However, according to tsn.ca, Nabokov has decided he will not report to the Islanders, meaning the team will probably suspend him for not reporting and could put him back on waivers. The contract Nabokov signed with the Red Wings includes a no-movement clause and he cannot be put back on waivers without his permission. He became a free agent this past December after being released by SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. In 22 games with the Russian club, he posted an 8-8-5 record, with a 3.02 GAA and a .888 save percentage. In 71 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, he posted a 44-16-10 record, three shutouts, a 2.43 GAA, and a .922 save percentage. This move comes as no surprise, as it was unlikely Nabokov would clear waivers given his skill level and very affordable salary. He's a good pick-up for the Islanders assuming he will play for the team. If he does, he will provide a lot of stability in net for the Islanders after trading Dwayne Roloson to the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier this month and losing Rick Dipietro to a groin injury. Dipietro, however, is day-to-day and isn't expected to miss a lot of time. If Nabokov hits the waiver wire again, he will likely be claimed. As for Detroit, they will likely continue to rotate Joey MacDonald, Thomas McCollum, or Jordan Pearce as the backup goaltender while Chris Osgood continues to recover from sports hernia surgery. However, with Jimmy Howard's struggles in net over the past two months, I wouldn't rule out the Red Wings possibly making a trade for a backup goaltender between now and the February 28 trade deadline.

Red Wings Sign Evgeni Nabokov to One-Year Contract

The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have signed goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to a one-year contract worth $570,000. He will have to pass through waivers first before he can join the team. The contract includes a no-movement clause and he cannot be put back on waivers after Friday without his permission. Nabokov was released from SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL last December after signing a four-year contract with the team this past summer. He will be ineligible to play in the AHL this season because of a rule regarding free agents coming from Europe after December 15. In 71 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, he posted a 44-16-10 record, three shutouts, a 2.43 GAA, and a .922 save percentage. In 593 career NHL games, all with the Sharks, he has a 293-178-37 record, 50 shutouts, a 2.39 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. This is a good signing for the Red Wings, as Nabokov will add lots of veteran depth and stability in goal for the team. With Chris Osgood currently sidelined with a hernia and Jimmy Howard struggling a bit in net, Nabokov will be a welcome addition for Detroit. However, in my opinion, it is very unlikely that he will clear waivers by noon tomorrow. There are plenty of playoff-bound teams, such as Washington, Atlanta, Minnesota, Nashville, Colorado, Anaheim, and even San Jose, who could use some help in goal. Also, his contract is very affordable and nearly every team in the NHL would be able to fit it under the salary cap. Plus, teams who don't really need goaltending help could still claim Nabokov off waivers to keep the Red Wings from officially landing him. Sorry Red Wings fans, I don't think you will be seeing Nabokov in Detroit this season.

Penguins Sign Mark Letestu to Two-Year Extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they have signed center Mark Letestu to a two-year contract extension worth $1.25 million. The deal averages out to $625,000 per season. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency this summer. In 46 games so far this season, he has nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Penguins, as Letestu has emerged as a very capable fourth line center this season. He has some two-way upside, a little offensive ability, and some skill on the faceoff. He should be a decent checking line center for the Penguins over the next two years.

Jon Sim Leaves NY Islanders to Play in Europe

Jon Sim's days as a New York Islander are over. The 33-year-old forward has signed with HC Fribourg-Gotteron of the Swiss National League after clearing waivers. Last week, he was assigned to the Islanders' AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, but failed to report to the team. He was then suspended by the Islanders and placed on unconditional waivers. After he went unclaimed on waivers, his contract was terminated by the team. It appears the Islanders knew of his desire to play with a European team and were more than willing to help him, as he was highly regarded by the team. In 34 games this season, Sim had one goal and three assists for four points. In 435 career NHL games with the Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers, Atlanta Thrashers, and New York Islanders, he has 74 goals and 61 assists for 135 points. Sim was a well-traveled forward in the NHL who developed into a decent checking line winger over the past few years. He should be a decent addition for HC Fribourg-Gotteron and I wish him the best of luck with his new team.

Sharks Claim Kyle Wellwood Off Waivers from Blues

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have claimed center Kyle Wellwood off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, just one day after he officially signed a one-year deal with the team. He had been released by Atlant Mytishchi of the KHL two weeks ago and had to pass through waivers in order to join the Blues. The Blues suffered a similar fate this past December when they attempted to sign forward Marek Svatos to a one-year deal. He was claimed off waivers by the Nashville Predators one day after signing with St. Louis. In 75 games last season with the Vancouver Canucks, Wellwood had 14 goals and 11 assists for for 25 points. In 338 career NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks, he has 63 goals and 97 assists for 160 points. He attended the Phoenix Coyotes' training camp this past September on a tryout basis, but was unsuccessful in making the team. This is an okay move for the Sharks, as Wellwood will add some offensive depth to the forward lines. He is a decent playmaker, but is somewhat inconsistent in his scoring, so perhaps he will be able to improve his skills a bit in San Jose and maybe provide a little spark to the team's struggling offense. As for the Blues, this is the second time they've been burned on the waiver wire in the last 30 days while trying to add offensive depth to their injury-depleted roster. At this point, it may be best for them to call up some players from the minors to help cover for their injuries.

Sharks Acquire Ben Eager from Thrashers

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have acquired left wing Ben Eager from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. Eager, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, has three goals and seven assists for 10 points and 77 penalty minutes in 34 games so far this season. He is currently serving a four-game suspension for sucker-punching Toronto's Colby Armstrong. Not a bad move for the Sharks, as Eager will add lots of grit and toughness to the team. He should be a decent addition to the checking lines as an agitator.

Maple Leafs Acquire Brunnstrom from Stars for Stefanovich

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Thursday that they have acquired right wing Fabian Brunnstrom from the Dallas Stars in exchange for right wing prospect Mikhail Stefanovich. Brunnstrom, who will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer, has played the entire season in the AHL with Texas, scoring 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points in 37 games. He will report to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, and if he plays well, could be called up to play with the Maple Leafs. In 99 career NHL games, all with Dallas, he has 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points. Stefanovich has one goal in 15 games with Dynamo Minsk of the KHL this season and has also appeared in two games with the Marlies, scoring no points. This isn't a bad depth move for the Maple Leafs, as Brunnstrom still does have the potential to become a decent scoring forward in the NHL. Perhaps a fresh start in Toronto can help him get his NHL career back on track. As for the Stars, they get a potential scoring forward in Stefanovich. While he does have the ability to score goals, he is still a few years away from seeing any NHL action, so he will continue to develop in either the AHL or possibly the KHL.

Predators Sign Jerred Smithson to Two-Year Extension

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have signed center Jerred Smithson to a two-year contract extension worth $1.6 million. The deal averages out to $800,000 per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. In 42 games so far this season, he has four goals and four assists for eight points. In 434 career NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators, he has 34 goals and 45 assists for 79 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Predators, as Smithson brings plenty of defensive skill and versatility to the forward lines. He has good size, plays with plenty of grit, is good on faceoffs, and is great on the penalty kill, making him a very effective checking line and special teams forward for the Predators.

Blues Sign Free Agent Forward Kyle Wellwood

The St. Louis Blues announced today that they have signed center Kyle Wellwood to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He was released by Atlant Mytishchi of the KHL last week and must clear waivers before he can join the Blues. In 75 games last season with the Vancouver Canucks, Wellwood had 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points. In 338 career NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks, he has 63 goals and 97 assists for 160 points. He attended the Phoenix Coyotes' training camp this past September on a tryout basis, but was unsuccessful in making the team. This is an okay signing for the Blues, as Wellwood should add some offensive depth to their injury-depleted roster. He's an excellent playmaker, but has a reputation for being inconsistent in his scoring. He does have the skills to be a productive player offensively, so perhaps he will get a chance to improve those skills a bit in St. Louis.

NY Rangers Acquire Wolski from Coyotes for Rozsival

The New York Rangers announced today that they have acquired left wing Wojtek Wolski from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for defenseman Michal Rozsival. The move comes just a day after the Rangers learned they will be without the services of left wing Alexander Frolov, who has a knee injury, for the rest of the season. The move will also free up $1.2 million in salary cap space for New York. Both players still have one year remaining on their contracts and will be free agents in 2012. In 36 games so far this season, Wolski has six goals and 10 assists for 16 points, while Rozsival has three goals and 12 assists for 15 points in 32 games. He is currently day-to-day with bruised ribs. Not a bad move for the Rangers, as Wolski will add some much needed offensive depth to the team with forwards Vaclav Prospal, Alexander Frolov, Erik Christiansen, and Ryan Callahan all currently injured. Despite struggling this season in Phoenix after scoring roughly a point per game last season after his trade to the Coyotes, Wolski will bring plenty of puck-handling and goal scoring skill to the Rangers' lineup. Plus, freeing up some salary cap space will leave them with a little more flexibility to perhaps make another trade by the trade deadline if necessary. As for the Coyotes, Rozsival brings some offensive skill and mobility to the blueline, as well as a veteran presence. In the end though, the Rangers seem to be the winners of this trade, as they have acquired a young forward who still has plenty of promise, despite being somewhat inconsistent, and dealt away a veteran defenseman who was taking up a bit of salary cap space.

Kings Sign Defenseman Jack Johnson to Seven-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have signed defenseman Jack Johnson to a seven-year contract extension worth $30.5 million. The deal averages out to $4.35 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent this summer. In 41 games so far this season, Johnson has four goals and 27 assists for 31 points. In 241 career NHL games, all with the Kings, he has 21 goals and 68 assists for 89 points and 222 penalty minutes. Originally a first round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, he was traded to Los Angeles in September 2006 with Oleg Tverdovsky in exchange for Tim Gleason and Eric Belanger. This is a great move for the Kings, as Johnson has emerged as one of their top defensemen, next to Drew Doughty. He's a great skater with lots of mobility, has plenty of offensive upside, and can play a physical game, making him an all-around effective defenseman for the team.

Stars Acquire Jamie Langenbrunner from Devils

The Dallas Stars announced today that they have acquired right wing Jamie Langenbrunner from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a conditional third round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. Langenbrunner, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, will begin his second stint with the Stars. He played in Dallas from 1994 to 2002 when he was traded to the Devils with Joe Nieuwendyk in exchange for Jason Arnott, Randy McKay, and a first round pick in 2002. In 31 games so far this season, he has four goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He missed eight games in November with a neck injury. In 996 career NHL games with the Stars and Devils, he has 232 goals and 388 assists for 620 points. Not a bad move for the Stars, as Langenbrunner will add lots of offensive depth to the team. He is extremely versatile and has lots of leadership qualities, so he should be an excellent addition for Dallas as they continue to make a push for the playoffs.

NY Islanders Sign Milan Jurcina to One-Year Contract Extension

The New York Islanders announced on Wednesday that they have signed defenseman Milan Jurcina to a one-year contract extension worth $1.6 million. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 19 games so far this season, he has two goals and two assists for four points. He missed 18 earlier this season with a hamstring injury. This is an okay signing for the Islanders, as Jurcina has a big shot and brings plenty of size to the team's blueline. However, his defensive game could be a lot better, as he is prone to turning over the puck. The Islanders probably could have found a better replacement for Jurcina this summer on the free agent market.

Flames Release Right Wing J.D. Watt

The Calgary Flames announced today that they have terminated the contract of right wing J.D. Watt, making him an unrestricted free agent. Watt notified the Flames' organization on Monday that he no longer wanted to be a part of the organization. He was suspended by the team, and after clearing unconditional waivers, had his contract terminated. In 27 games this season with Abbotsford of the AHL, he had one goal and three assists for four points and 73 penalty minutes. He has never appeared in an NHL game. I don't have much to say about this other than I wish Watt the best of luck in finding another team to prolong his NHL career. If he signs with another team, he will bring them plenty of grit and toughness.

Wild Sign Free Agent Forward Jed Ortmeyer

The Minnesota Wild announced today that they have signed right wing Jed Ortmeyer to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not announced and he was assigned to the team's AHL affiliate in Houston after the signing. In 76 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, he had eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points. In 306 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Nashville Predators, and San Jose Sharks, he has 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Wild, as Ortmeyer has some two-way skill and is decent on the penalty kill. For now, he will continue to play in the minors and could see some NHL action if injuries continue to mount for the Wild.

Ducks Acquire Nate Guenin from Blue Jackets for Trevor Smith

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that they have acquired defenseman Nate Guenin from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for left wing Trevor Smith. Guenin has appeared in three games this season with the Blue Jackets, scoring no points. Smith has played in 35 games with Syracuse of the AHL this season, scoring 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game this season. This is nothing more than a swap of minor leaguers for both teams, as both players will likely play the rest of the season in the AHL.

Lightning Sign Defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they have signed free agent defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay him $1 million at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. In 60 games last season with the Montreal Canadiens, he had 13 goals and 21 assists for 34 points. He also appeared in three games with Hamilton of the AHL last season, scoring six assists. In 399 career NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens, he has 75 goals and 119 assists for 194 points. Not a bad signing for the Lightning, as Bergeron will add a lot of offensive skill to their defense. He's also great on the power play and is versatile, as he can also play on the wing. Despite being talented offensively, his defensive game is not very good, as he struggles against bigger NHL forwards and turns the puck over a lot. However, he should add some offensive punch to the Lightning blueline for the rest of the season, unless they send him off to the minors.

Penguins Sign Defenseman Deryk Engelland to Three-Year Extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they have signed defenseman Deryk Engelland to a three-year contract extension worth $1.7 million. The deal averages out to $566,700 per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 32 games so far this season, he has two goals and three assists for five points and 76 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Penguins, as Engelland has established himself as a top-six defenseman with the team. He has good size, plays with lots of grit and toughness, is a fierce fighter, and is a team-first player. He should be an excellent addition to the Penguins' defense for the next three years.

Lightning Acquire Goaltender Dwayne Roloson from NY Islanders

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Saturday evening that they have acquired goaltender Dwayne Roloson from the New York Islanders in exchange for minor league defenseman Ty Wishart. The trade was announced shortly after the Lightning's 2-1 overtime victory against the New York Rangers on January 1. In 20 games so far this season, Roloson has a 6-13-1 record, with a 2.64 GAA and a .916 save percentage and will also be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Wishart has four goals and 14 assists for 18 points in 31 games with Norfolk of the AHL and will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer. Not a bad move for the Lightning, as the team was looking to add some goaltending depth with Dan Ellis and Mike Smith both playing shaky at times this season. Roloson should provide plenty of stability and veteran depth in goal for Tampa Bay as they enter the second half of the season. As for the Islanders, they get a defenseman with lots of size in Wishart, who can also log a lot of minutes and has some offensive upside. He should become an NHL regular at some point, but for the time being, he will continue to develop in the AHL.