Sharks Re-Sign Jamie McGinn and Frazer McLaren

The San Jose Sharks announced on Thursday that they have signed left wings Jamie McGinn and Frazer McLaren to one-year contracts. McGinn's contract is two-way and will pay him $680,000 at the NHL level, while the financial terms of McLaren's deal were not disclosed. Both players would have been restricted free agents on July 1. In 49 games last season with the Sharks, McGinn had one goal and five assists for six points. He also appeared in 30 games with Worcester of the AHL, scoring nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points. McLaren played in nine games with the Sharks last season, scoring no points and adding 22 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 40 games with Worcester, scoring two goals and two assists for four points and 71 penalty minutes. These aren't bad depth signings for the Sharks. McGinn has some two-way skill, plenty of scoring upside, and some versatility. Look for him to compete hard for a roster spot at training camp. McLaren brings lots of size, grit, and physical play to the Sharks. Given his skill level, look for him to split time between San Jose and Worcester next season.

Hurricanes Re-Sign Jussi Jokinen to Three-Year Contract

The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Thursday that they have signed center Jussi Jokinen to a three-year contract extension worth $9 million. The deal will pay him $3 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 70 games last season, he had 19 goals and 33 assists for 52 points. He missed six games with an upper body injury in January and another six games with a lower body injury in February. This is a good signing for the Hurricanes, as Jokinen brings a lot of offensive skill to the team on the wing. He has good two-way skill, a great shot, is excellent on the power play, and excels in the shootout. Plus, at $3 million per season, he is a bargain for the Hurricanes.

Maple Leafs Sign Jay Rosehill to One-Year Deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Thursday that they have signed left wing Jay Rosehill to a one-year, two-way contract worth $600,000. He would have been eligible for Group Six unrestricted free agency on July 1. In 26 games last season with the Maple Leafs, he had one goal and two assists for three points and 71 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 32 games with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, scoring seven goals and six assists for 13 points and 114 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Maple Leafs, but not a horrible one. Rosehill will likely spend some of next season in the minors, but if he sees any NHL action, he will bring lots of grit and toughness to the checking lines.

Blues Sign T.J. Oshie to One-Year Extension

The St. Louis Blues announced today that they have signed center T.J. Oshie to a one-year contract extension worth $2.35 million. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 49 games last season, he had 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points. He missed 31 games with an ankle injury. This is a good signing for the Blues, as Oshie brings plenty of offensive skill and depth to the forward lines, as well as some versatility. He also brings some goal-scoring ability to the team, as well as plenty of two-way skill.

Oilers Sign Ladislav Smid to Two-Year Contract

The Edmonton Oilers announced today that they have signed defenseman Ladislav Smid to a two-year contract extension worth $4.5 million. The deal will pay him $2.25 million each season. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 78 games last season, he had 10 assists and 85 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Oilers, as Smid has good size, plays with plenty of grit, and has good shutdown skills on the blueline. He should continue to be a good fit for the team over the next two years.

NHLPA Files Grievance Over Nashville Predators RFA Qualifications

According to tsn.ca, the National Hockey League Players' Association has filed a grievance against the Nashville Predators for what they believe are improper qualifying offers that were given to their restricted free agents. The Players' Association believes that Matt Halischuk, Linus Klasen, Sergei Kostitsyn, Chris Mueller, Cal O'Reilly, Nick Spaling, and Andreas Thuresson did not receive their qualifying offers in a timely fashion. Shea Weber was exempt from a qualifying offer because the team filed for salary arbitration with him, mainly to avoid a rival team from giving him an offer sheet. The NHLPA will ask independent arbitrator George Nicholau to expedite his ruling so the players will know by July 1 whether or not they will be restricted or unrestricted free agents. If Nicholau sides with the NHLPA, all seven of the above-mentioned players will become unrestricted free agents not subject to a right to match or draft choice compensation. The league maintains that the seven players were given timely qualifications and will be restricted free agents on July 1. The Chicago Blackhawks were found guilty of sending out improper qualifications to some of their restricted free agents in 2009 and were forced to quickly sign those players to avoid losing them to unrestricted free agency. The New Jersey Devils were also guilty of improper qualifications many years ago. If the arbitrator sides with the NHLPA, this would not be good news for the Predators, as several of the aforementioned players enjoyed fine seasons in 2010-11 and will look to build upon their success in expanded roles in 2011-12. However, if the Predators were to lose any or all of these players to unrestricted free agency, it wouldn't be a complete death blow to the team, as they would likely find suitable replacements for all of them on the trade or free agent markets or from within their own system. Hopefully the Predators will be able to get the issue resolved without losing any players.

Todd Marchant Announces His Retirement

After 17 seasons in the NHL, Anaheim Ducks center Todd Marchant has announced his retirement. He will stay with the team as the director of player development. He was eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1. In 79 games last season with the Ducks, he had one goal and seven assists for eight points. In 1195 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Anaheim Ducks, he had 186 goals and 312 assists for 498 points. He won the Stanley Cup in 2007 as a member of the Ducks. Marchant was always an excellent penalty killer and defensive forward throughout his career who also had good leadership qualities. His defensive prowess on the checking lines will surely be missed in Anaheim next season. I wish him all the best in retirement and in his new position with the team.

Paul Kariya Announces His Retirement

After 15 seasons in the NHL, left wing Paul Kariya has announced his retirement due to post-concussion symptoms. He was forced to miss the entire 2010-11 season due to those symptoms. In 75 games with the St. Louis Blues during the 2009-10 season, he had 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points. In 989 career NHL games with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues, Kariya has 402 goals and 587 assists for 989 points. He won the Hobey Baker Award in 1993 as the top U.S. collegiate hockey player, the Lady Byng Trophy in 1996 and 1997 for sportsmanship, and Olympic Silver and Gold Medals in 1994 and 2002, respectively. Kariya was an excellent forward throughout his career who had superb offensive and puckmoving skills, lots of speed, and plenty of playmaking ability. It's always unfortunate to see a player have their career come to an end because of an injury and it's a shame to see Kariya's end his because of a concussion. He was always an exciting player to watch and I wish him all the best in retirement.

Maple Leafs Sign Luca Caputi to One-Year Extension

According to thehockeynews.com, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed left wing Luca Caputi to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In seven games last season with the Maple Leafs, he had no points. He also appeared in 13 games with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, scoring one goal and four assists for five points. Not a bad depth signing for the Maple Leafs, as Caputi has lots of offensive upside. He will likely battle hard for a roster spot on the team next season at training camp in September.

Coyotes Sign Mathieu Beaudoin to One-Year Contract

According to the hockeynews.com, the Phoenix Coyotes have re-signed right wing Mathieu Beaudoin to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 63 games last season with San Antonio of the AHL, he had 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Coyotes, as Beaudoin will likely spend all of next season in the minors once again.

Blackhawks Acquire Montador from Sabres

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Wednesday evening that they have acquired the negotiating rights to defenseman Steve Montador from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2012 or 2013 Entry Draft. The year of the pick is likely conditional on the Blackhawks getting Montador signed to a contract or not. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1. In 73 games last season, he had five goals and 21 assists for 26 points and 83 penalty minutes. Assuming the Blackhawks can get Montador under contract before he becomes a free agent, this is a decent move for the team. He will bring plenty of grit and toughness to the blueline, as well as some offensive skill. If Chicago can get him signed, he should be a good fit for the team.

NY Rangers Sign John Mitchell to One-Year Contract

According to thehockeynews.com, the New York Rangers have re-signed center John Mitchell to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. The Rangers acquired him from the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 28 for a seventh round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. In 23 games last season with the Maple Leafs, Mitchell had two goals and one assist for three points. He did not appear in any games with the Rangers after the trade. He also played in 24 games with Toronto and Connecticut of the AHL, scoring eight goals and nine assists for 17 points. He missed 14 games last season with a knee injury. Not a bad depth signing for the Rangers, as Mitchell brings some versatility and two-way skill to the checking lines, as well as a little skill to the power play and penalty kill. Given the offensive depth already on the Rangers' roster, he will likely have to fight for a roster spot at training camp in September for a fourth line role.

Avalanche Sign Greg Mauldin to One-Year Contract

According to thehockeynews.com, the Colorado Avalanche have signed center Greg Mauldin to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 29 games last season with the Avalanche, he had five goals and five assists for 10 points. He also appeared in 43 games with Lake Erie of the AHL, scoring 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Avalanche, as Mauldin will likely spend much of next season in the minors. If he does see any time with Colorado, it will likely be on the fourth line and as an injury replacement.

Penguins Sign Arron Asham to One-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced tonight that they have signed right wing Arron Asham to a one-year contract extension worth $775,000. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 44 games last season, he had five goals and six assists for 11 points and 46 penalty minutes. He also added three goals and one assist for four points in seven payoff games. Not a bad depth signing for the Penguins, as Asham brings lots of grit and toughness to the lineup, as well as a little bit of offense. He should continue to be a good fit on the checking lines.

Sabres Acquire Negotiating Rights to Christian Ehrhoff

The Buffalo Sabres announced tonight that they have acquired the negotiating rights to defenseman Christian Ehrhoff from the New York Islanders in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1. His negotiating rights were acquired by the Islanders just last night from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a fourth round pick in 2012. In 79 games last season with the Canucks, he had 14 goals and 36 assists for 50 points. He also added two goals and 10 assists for 12 points in 23 playoff games. If the Sabres can get Ehrhoff signed to a new contract before Friday, this will be an excellent move for the team. He has excellent offensive skill, is great on the power play, and can log lots of minutes. Buffalo will likely do all they can before Friday to get him under contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Canucks Sign Andrew Alberts to Two-Year Deal

The Vancouver Canucks announced today that they have signed defenseman Andrew Alberts to a two-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 42 games last season, he had one goal and six assists for seven points and 41 penalty minutes. He missed eight games with a shoulder injury and another 25 games with a broken wrist. Not a bad signing for the Canucks, as Alberts brings plenty of defensive depth to the team. He plays with lots of grit and toughness and has some shutdown skill on the blueline. He should continue to be a good fit as a fifth or sixth defenseman for the Canucks over the next two seasons.

Canadiens Sign Yannick Weber to Two-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed defenseman Yannick Weber to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 41 games last season with the Canadiens, he had one goal and 10 assists for 11 points. He also appeared in 15 games with Hamilton of the AHL, scoring eight goals and four assists for 12 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Canadiens, as Weber has made some good progress in his development. He has a decent shot, some offensive upside, and enough skill to play on the power play. Look for Weber to try to secure a regular roster spot on the team at training camp in September.

Lightning Sign Dwayne Roloson to One-Year Extension

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they have signed goaltender Dwayne Roloson to a one-year contract extension worth $3 million. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by the Lightning from the New York Islanders on January 1 in exchange for Ty Wishart. In 54 games last season with the Islanders and Lightning, Roloson posted a 24-25-5 record, four shutouts, a 2.59 GAA, and a .914 save percentage. This is a good signing for the Lightning, as Roloson was very steady in goal for the team as he backstopped them all the way to the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals. He brings lots of veteran experience in goal for the team, as well as plenty of stability. Backup Mike Smith likely won't be back with the Lightning next season, so look for Roloson to split the goaltending duties with whoever Tampa Bay decides to go with as their second goalie.

Blue Jackets Acquire Negotiating Rights to James Wisniewski

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have acquired the negotiating rights to defenseman James Wisniewski from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a conditional seventh round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The pick will become a fifth-rounder if Columbus signs him to a contract. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Canadiens acquired Wisniewski last December from the New York Islanders in exchange for a second round pick in 2011 and a conditional fifth round pick in 2012. In 75 games last season with the Islanders and Canadiens, he had 10 goals and 41 assists for 51 points. Assuming the Blue Jackets can get Wisniewski signed to a contract, this is a good trade for the team, as they are in need of some offensive skill on defense. He has lots of offensive skill, is an excellent power play quarterback, and plays with plenty of toughness. Wisniewski should be a good fit for Columbus if they can get him signed.

Avalanche Sign David Jones to One-Year Contract

The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they have signed right wing David Jones to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 77 games last season, he had 27 goals and 18 assists for 45 points. Not a bad signing for the Avalanche, as Jones was one of the top offensive producers on the team last season. He brings plenty of offensive and goal-scoring skill to the team, as well as some versatility. He will likely play a top-six role on the Avalanche once again next season.

Blue Jackets Sign Michael Blunden to One-Year Deal

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have signed right wing Michael Blunden to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. He appeared in only one game with the Blue Jackets last season, scoring no points. He also played in 37 games with Springfield of the AHL, scoring 12 goals and nine assists for 21 points. This is nothing more than a depth signing for the Blue Jackets, as Blunden will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors. If he does see any NHL action next season, he will bring plenty of size and toughness to the fourth line.

Panthers Sign Tomas Kopecky to Four-Year Contract

Just days after acquiring right wing Tomas Kopecky from the Chicago Blackhawks, the Florida Panthers have signed him to a four-year contract worth $12 million. The deal will pay him $3 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 81 games last season with the Blackhawks, he had 15 goals and 27 assists for 42 points. He has won two Stanley Cups thus far in his career, one with Detroit in 2008 and one with Chicago in 2010. Not a bad signing for the Panthers, as Kopecky will bring plenty of offensive depth, two-way skill, and grit to the forward lines. $3 million seems a bit much for him given his skill level, but the Panthers are still approximately $23 million below the salary cap floor, so they've got to continue to add some salary to their team.

Sabres Sign Nathan Gerbe to Three-Year Deal

The Buffalo Sabres announced today that they have signed left wing Nathan Gerbe to a three-year contract extension worth $4.3 million. The deal will pay him $1.43 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 64 games last season, he had 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points. He missed eight games with a jaw injury. This is a decent signing for the Sabres, as Gerbe is starting to emerge as a reliable forward for the team. He has some offensive skill and playmaking ability, as well as lots of speed. Look for him to play a bigger offensive role with the team next season. Plus, at $1.43 million per season, he could be a real bargain if he can increase his goal output to 20 or 30 goals per season.

Lightning Sign Adam Hall to One-Year Contract

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they have signed center Adam Hall to a one-year contract worth $600,000. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In all 82 games last season, he had seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points. He also added one goal and four assists for five points in 18 playoff games. Not a bad depth signing for the Lightning, as Hall is a great role player on the ice. He plays hard every shift, has some two-way ability, and brings some skill to the penalty kill. Hall should continue to be an effective fourth line center for the team next season.

Hurricanes Sign Chad Larose to Two-Year Contract

The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that they have signed right wing Chad Larose to a two-year contract extension worth $3.4 million. The deal will pay him $1.5 million in 2011-12 and $1.9 million in 2012-13. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In all 82 games last season, he had 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points. This is a decent signing for the Hurricanes, as Larose plays with lots of energy and grit. He also has some offensive ability and two-way skill, making him a reliable checking line forward for the team.

NY Islanders Acquire Negotiating Rights to Christian Ehrhoff

The New York Islanders announced tonight that they have acquired the negotiating rights to defenseman Christian Ehrhoff from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1. It became apparent in recent days that Ehrhoff would be headed to the free agent market when he turned down a contract offer from Vancouver that would have paid him $4.6 million per season. In 79 games last season with the Canucks, he had 14 goals and 36 assists for 50 points. He also added two goals and 10 assists for 12 points in 23 playoff games. If the Islanders can get Ehrhoff signed to a new contract, this will be an excellent move for the team and greatly improve their defensive corps. He has excellent offensive skill, is great on the power play, and can log lots of minutes. New York will likely be aggressive over the next two days to get him under contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Stars Sign Brad Lukowich to One-Year Contract

The Dallas Stars announced today that they have signed defenseman Brad Lukowich to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In five games last season with the Stars, he had no points. He also appeared in 67 games with Texas of the AHL, scoring four goals and 23 assists for 27 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Stars, as Lukowich will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors. If he sees any time with Dallas, he will bring plenty of veteran depth to the blueline.

Hurricanes Re-Sign Joni Pitkanen and Patrick Dwyer

The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that they have signed defenseman Joni Pitkanen to a three-year contract worth $13.5 million and center Patrick Dwyer to a two-year contract worth $1.25 million. Pitkanen's deal will average out to $4.5 million per season, while Dwyer's deal will pay him $600,000 in 2011-12 and $650,000 in 2012-13. Both players would have been unrestricted free agents on July 1. In 72 games last season, Pitkanen had five goals and 30 assists for 35 points, while Dwyer had eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points in 80 games. These are decent signings for the Hurricanes, as both players will bring plenty of depth to the team at their respected positions. Pitkanen provides lots of offensive skill to the team's blueline, as well as some grit, while Dwyer brings lots of versatility and defensive ability to the forward lines.

Penguins Sign Pascal Dupuis to Two-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they have signed left wing Pascal Dupuis to a two-year contract worth $3 million. The deal will pay him $1.5 million each season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 81 games last season with Pittsburgh, he had 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points. This is a decent signing for the Penguins, as Dupuis brings plenty of offensive depth to the wing. He also plays with lots of energy and is versatile enough to play as a right wing. He's been a good fit for the Penguins over the past four seasons and should continue to be a good fit for the duration of his new contract.

Lightning Sign Marc-Andre Bergeron to Two-Year Contract

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they have signed defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron to a two-year contract extension worth $2 million. The deal will pay him $1 million each season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 23 games last season with the Lightning, he had two goals and six assists for eight points. He also appeared in 13 games with Norfolk of the AHL, scoring two goals and six assists for eight points. Not a bad depth signing for the Lightning, as Bergeron will bring lots of offensive skill to the blueline, especially on the power play. However, his defensive game is lacking, as he struggles against bigger NHL forwards and tends to turn over the puck a lot. Look for him to be a fifth or sixth defenseman for the team next season.

Capitals Sign Brooks Laich to Six-Year Extension

The Washington Capitals announced today that they have signed left wing Brooks Laich to a six-year contract extension worth $27 million. The deal will average out to $4.5 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In all 82 games last season, he had 16 goals and 32 assists for 48 points. He also added one goal and six assists for seven points in nine playoff games. This is a decent signing for the Capitals, as Laich brings plenty of offensive depth to the forward lines. He can score goals, play a defensive role on offense, and has some versatility. However, he can be inconsistent in his scoring and doesn't have high-end scoring ability, so $4.5 million per season is a bit high for him. Perhaps a salary in the $3 million range would have been more suitable for Laich.

Canucks Sign Maxim Lapierre to Two-Year Extension

The Vancouver Canucks announced Monday evening that they have signed center Maxim Lapierre to a two-year contract extension worth $2 million. The deal will pay him $1 million each season. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by the Canucks on February 28 from the Anaheim Ducks along with MacGregor Sharp in exchange for Joel Perrault and a third round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The Ducks acquired him from Montreal last December for Brett Festerling and a fifth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. In 78 games last season with the Canadiens, Ducks, and Canucks, Lapierre had six goals and six assists for 12 points and 80 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Canucks, as Lapierre brings plenty of grit and toughness to the team in an agitating role, as well as some versatility. However, he does lack discipline and can grate on his teammates after a while. Hopefully he can play a more disciplined game with Vancouver over the next two seasons or he could find himself on the trade block.

Sharks Re-Sign Andrew Desjardins and Alex Stalock

The San Jose Sharks announced on Monday that they have signed left wing Andrew Desjardins and goaltender Alex Stalock to one-year contract extensions. The financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. Both players would have been restricted free agents on July 1. In 17 games last season with the Sharks, Desjardins had one goal and two assists for three points. He also appeared in 58 games with Worcester of the AHL, scoring 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points. Stalock played in one game with San Jose last season, winning that game and not allowing a single goal. He also appeared in 41 games with Worcester, posting a 19-17-4 record, with a 2.63 GAA and a .907 save percentage. These aren't bad depth signings for the Sharks. Desjardins will likely land a fourth line role with the team next season and will bring plenty of toughness and energy to the lineup. Stalock has some upside as a backup goaltender, but will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors with Antti Niemi and Antero Niittymaki set to be the goaltending tandem in San Jose for 2011-12.

NY Rangers Sign Dale Weise to One-Year Contract

The New York Rangers announced on Monday that they have signed right wing Dale Weise to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 10 games last season with the Rangers, he had no points and 19 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 47 games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points and 73 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Rangers, as Weise will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors. If he does see any time with New York, he will bring plenty of toughness and size to the lineup.

NY Islanders Sign Tomas Marcinko to One-Year Contract

The New York Islanders announced on Monday that they have signed center Tomas Marcinko to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 66 games last season with Bridgeport of the AHL, he had four goals and seven assists for 11 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Islanders, as Marcinko will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors.

Lightning Sign Bruno Gervais to One-Year Deal

Just two days after acquiring defenseman Bruno Gervais from the New York Islanders, the Tampa Bay Lightning have signed him to a one-year contract worth $550,000. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 53 games last season with the Islanders, he had six assists. Not a bad depth signing for the Lightning, as Gervais will bring some puck-moving skill to their blueline next season as a sixth or seventh defenseman.

Canucks Sign Kevin Bieksa to Five-Year Contract

The Vancouver Canucks announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Kevin Bieksa to a five-year contract extension worth $23 million. The deal will average out to $4.6 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 66 games last season, Bieksa had six goals and 16 assists for 22 points and 73 penalty minutes. He missed 15 games with a broken foot. He also added five goals and five assists for 10 points and 51 penalty minutes in 25 playoff games. This is an excellent signing for the Canucks, as Bieksa has emerged as one of the top defenseman on the team over the past couple seasons. He plays with lots of grit and toughness, has some offensive ability, and has a decent shot from the point. With Bieksa now under contract, the Canucks will likely turn their attention to re-signing some depth players and perhaps replacing defenseman Christian Ehrhoff, who will likely test the free agent market on Friday.

Flyers Re-Sign Andreas Nodl and Tom Sestito

The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Monday that they have signed left wing Andreas Nodl to a two-year contract worth $1.69 million. The deal will pay him $845,000 per season. The team also announced they have signed left wing Tom Sestito to a new contract. The exact length and financial terms of his deal were not disclosed. Both players would have been restricted free agents on July 1. In 67 games last season with the Flyers, Nodl had 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. Sestito was acquired by the team on February 28 from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Greg Moore and Michael Chaput. In nine games last season with the Blue Jackets, Sestito had two goals and two assists for four points and 40 penalty minutes. He did not appear in any games with Philadelphia. He also played in 57 games with Springfield and Adirondack of the AHL, scoring 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points and 237 penalty minutes. These aren't bad depth signings for the Flyers, as both players will should fit in well on the checking lines. Nodl will bring some two-way ability to the third and fourth lines, while Sestito will bring lots of grit and toughness to the team.

EDIT

Tom Sestito's contract is for one year.

Panthers Acquire Tomas Kopecky from Blackhawks

The Florida Panthers announced on Monday that they have acquired the negotiating rights to right wing Tomas Kopecky from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2012 or 2013 Entry Draft. The Panthers' seventh round pick in the 2012 draft is currently held by the Nashville Predators as a conditional pick. If the Predators don't meet the conditions for the pick, the Blackhawks will receive it. Otherwise, Chicago will get Florida's seventh round pick in 2013. Kopecky is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 81 games last season with the Blackhawks, he had 15 goals and 27 assists for 42 points. Not a bad trade for the Panthers, assuming they can sign Kopecky to a contract. If Florida can get him signed, he will bring plenty of two-way skill and grit to the forward lines, as well as a little offensive depth.

Wild Acquire Darroll Powe from Flyers

The Minnesota Wild announced on Monday that they have acquired center Darroll Powe from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a third round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. He will be a restricted free agent on July 1. In 81 games last season, he had seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points. Not a bad depth move for the Wild, as Powe will provide some grit and energy to their checking lines, as well as some skill to the penalty kill.

Forward Ryan Smyth Returns to Edmonton

Ryan Smyth is on his way back to the Edmonton Oilers. The Los Angeles Kings announced on Sunday that they have traded Smyth to the Oilers for center Colin Fraser and a seventh round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The original agreement had Gilbert Brule and a fourth-round pick going to the Kings, but an injury to the 24-year-old forward kept them from sealing the deal. Sources claim the Kings intended to buy out the final year of Brule's contract, but the current collective bargaining agreement prohibits NHL teams from buying out injured players. Los Angeles was willing to trade Smyth to Edmonton for just a seventh-round pick, but the Oilers wanted to move a little salary and included Fraser in the deal. Smyth requested a trade last week to his former team, where he spent 12 seasons from 1994 to 2007. He has one more year remaining on his current contract. In all 82 games last season with the Kings, he had 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points. Fraser appeared in 67 games last season with the Oilers, scoring three goals and two assists for five points and 60 penalty minutes. This is a decent move for the Oilers, as Smyth will bring lots of leadership to the young team. He also brings plenty of veteran, offensive depth and skill on the power play. Fraser will bring plenty of grit and toughness to the Kings' checking lines. In the end, this trade was mainly for Los Angeles to shed some salary after acquiring Mike Richards from the Philadelphia Flyers this past week, as well as satisfy Smyth's request to be traded back to Edmonton.

Avalanche Sign Matt Hunwick to One-Year Deal

According to thehockeynews.com, the Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Matt Hunwick to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by the Avalanche last November from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Colby Cohen. In 73 games last season with the Bruins and Avalanche, Hunwick had one goal and 12 assists for 13 points. Not a bad depth signing for Colorado, as Hunwick will bring plenty of puck-moving skill and some offensive ability to their blueline next season.

Sabres Sign Goaltender David Leggio to One-Year Deal

According to thehockeynews.com, the Buffalo Sabres have signed goaltender David Leggio to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. In 36 games last season with Portland of the AHL, he posted a 22-12-0 record, three shutouts, a 2.80 GAA, and a .911 save percentage. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Sabres, as Leggio will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Coyotes Acquire Marc-Antoine Pouliot from Lightning

The Phoenix Coyotes announced on Saturday that they have acquired center Marc-Antoine Pouliot from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Lightning used the pick to select center Matthew Peca. Pouliot will be eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. In three games last season with the Lightning, he had no points. He also appeared in 69 games with Norfolk of the AHL, scoring 25 goals and 47 assists for 72 points. Not a bad depth move for the Coyotes, as Pouliot has some defensive skill and scoring upside despite struggling offensively at times. He could be a decent fourth line center for the team next season if he is successful in securing a roster spot.

Blues Acquire Evgeny Grachev from NY Rangers

The St. Louis Blues announced on Saturday that they have acquired left wing Evgeny Grachev from the New York Rangers in exchange for a third round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Rangers then used the pick to select center Steven Fogarty. In eight games last season with the Rangers, he had no points. He also appeared in 73 games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring 16 goals and 22 assists for 38 points. Not a bad move for the Blues, as Grachev has lots of offensive and two-way potential. He will likely fight hard for a roster spot at training camp in September.

Lightning Acquire Bruno Gervais from NY Islanders

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Saturday that they have acquired defenseman Bruno Gervais from the New York Islanders in exchange for future considerations. He is eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. In 53 games last season, he had six assists. Not a bad depth move for the Lightning, as Gervais will add some much needed puck-moving skill to the blueline. Although, he will more than likely be a sixth or seventh depth defenseman for the team next season.

Senators Acquire Nikita Filatov from Blue Jackets

The Ottawa Senators announced on Saturday that they have acquired left wing Nikita Filatov from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a third round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Blue Jackets used the pick to select center Thomas Tynan. In 23 games last season with Columbus, Filatov had seven assists. He also appeared in 36 games with Springfield of the AHL, scoring nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points. He has one more year left on his current contract. This is a good low-risk move for the Senators, as Filatov has a lot of untapped offensive potential despite being extremely disappointing thus far in his career. If he doesn't pan out in Ottawa, the Senators don't have much to lose except giving up a third round pick. If he can better his offensive game, the Senators will have a very dynamic winger to help in their rebuild. As for Columbus, it comes as no surprise they moved Filatov given his offensive struggles at the NHL level so far. With the recent acquisition of Jeff Carter, it appears the Blue Jackets want to start a new era on offense.

Flames Sign Alex Tanguay to Five-Year Extension

The Calgary Flames announced on Saturday that they have signed left wing Alex Tanguay to a five-year contract extension worth $17.5 million. The deal will pay him $3.5 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 79 games last season, he had 22 goals and 47 assists for 69 points. It's not a bad signing for the Flames, although they probably would have been better off signing Tanguay for no more than three years to avoid a long-term contract. However, he will continue to bring plenty of offensive depth and great passing skills to the team.

Sabres Acquire Regehr, Kotalik from Flames for Butler, Byron

The Buffalo Sabres announced on Saturday that they have acquired defenseman Robyn Regehr, right wing Ales Kotalik, and Calgary's second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft in exchange for defenseman Chris Butler and center Paul Byron. The Flames had asked Regehr on Thursday to waive his no-movement clause to facilitate a trade to the Sabres and the deal was completed two days later. In 79 games last season with the Flames, Regehr had two goals and 15 assists for 17 points. Kotalik appeared in 26 games last season with Calgary, scoring four goals and two assists for six points. He also played in 25 games with Abbotsford of the AHL, scoring six goals and 16 assists for 22 points. In 49 games last season with the Sabres, Butler had two goals and seven assists for nine points, while Byron had one goal and one assist in eight games. He also appeared in 67 games with Portland of the AHL, scoring 26 goals and 27 assists for 53 points. Not a bad move for the Sabres, as they get a quality shutdown defenseman in Regehr. He also has good size, plays with some grit, and has some leadership skills, so he should be a good fit for the Sabres. Buffalo will likely hope that re-acquiring Kotalik will help him improve his offensive game by playing in familiar surroundings. As for the Flames, they get a puck-moving defenseman in Butler who will bring some depth to their blueline. Byron brings some two-way skill and offensive upside to the team, but will likely play a fourth line role next season. The Flames also trimmed some salary from their payroll by shipping out Regehr and Kotalik, which they promptly used to sign left wing Alex Tanguay to a five-year contract extension worth $17.5 million.

Avalanche Re-Sign David Van Der Gulik and Justin Mercier

According to thehockeynews.com, the Colorado Avalanche have re-signed right wing David Van Der Gulik and left wing Justin Mercier to one-year contracts. Financial terms of both deal were not disclosed. Van Der Gulik would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1, while Mercier would have been eligible for restricted free agency. In six games last season with the Avalanche, Van Der Gulik had one goal and two assists for three points. He also appeared in 48 games with Lake Erie of the AHL, scoring 15 goals and 21 assists for 36 points. Mercier played in 80 games last season with Lake Erie, scoring 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points. These are really just depth signings for the Avalanche, as both players will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Blackhawks Send Brian Campbell to Panthers for Rostislav Olesz

The Chicago Blackhawks announced late Friday evening that they have traded defenseman Brian Campbell to the Florida Panthers in exchange for left wing Rostislav Olesz. In 65 games last season with the Blackhawks, Campbell had five goals and 22 assists for 27 points. He missed 17 games last season due to injuries. In 44 games last season with the Panthers, Olesz had six goals and 11 assists for 17 points. He missed 17 games early in the 2010-11 season with a broken finger and the last 21 games of the season with a knee injury. In the end, this is a trade that works for both teams. The Panthers get a puck-moving defenseman in Campbell who also has some offensive skill. His hefty salary will also help the team reach the salary cap floor for the 2011-12 season. For the Blackhawks, ridding themselves of Campbell's contract will help them gain some salary cap space to re-sign some free agents. However, Olesz has an expensive contract as well, but not as steep as Campbell's. Olesz does bring some two-way skill to Chicago, and perhaps may be able to elevate his offensive game in a new location.

Sharks Acquire Brent Burns from Wild for Setoguchi, Coyle

The San Jose Sharks announced on Friday evening that they have acquired defenseman Brent Burns and a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for right wing Devin Setoguchi, prospect right wing Charlie Coyle, and their first round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Wild used the first round pick to draft center Zack Phillips. Burns will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, while Setoguchi just signed a three-year, $9 million contract extension. Coyle has yet to sign a standard entry-level contract. In 80 games last season with the Wild, Burns had 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points and 98 penalty minutes, while Setoguchi had 22 goals and 19 assists for 41 points in 72 games with the Sharks. Coyle appeared in 37 games with Boston University, scoring seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points. Not a bad move for the Sharks and Wild, as all three players involved in the trade will satisfy needs for both teams. San Jose gets a very strong offensive blueliner in Burns who should be an excellent fit alongside Dan Boyle even though they paid a steep price to acquire him. Setoguchi will bring some much-needed offensive depth and goal-scoring skill to the Wild's lineup despite being a bit inconsistent in his scoring. Coyle gives Minnesota a decent offensive prospect, but he is still a few seasons away from seeing any NHL action.

Capitals Acquire Troy Brouwer from Blackhawks

The Washington Capitals announced on Friday evening that they have acquired right wing Troy Brouwer from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for their first round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. Chicago then used that pick to draft left wing Phillip Danault. In 79 games last season, Brouwer had 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points. He will be a restricted free agent on July 1. Not a bad move for the Capitals, as Brouwer will bring plenty of offensive depth to the team on either the second or third line. He also has good size and plays with plenty of grit. As for the Blackhawks, they were likely clearing a little bit of salary to help re-sign some impending free agents this summer, as well as some who will be free agents next summer. Danault basically plays the same style of hockey as Brouwer, so he should be a successful second or third line forward for the Blackhawks down the road.

Maple Leafs Acquire John-Michael Liles from Avalanche

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Friday evening during the first round of the 2011 Entry Draft that they have acquired defenseman John-Michael Liles from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The second rounder heading to Colorado is Boston's second round pick, which the Maple Leafs acquired in the Tomas Kaberle trade this past February. In 76 games last season, Liles had six goals and 40 assists for 46 points. In 523 career NHL games, all with Colorado, he has 68 goals and 207 assists for 275 points. He still has one more year left on his current contract. Not a bad move for the Maple Leafs, as Liles will bring lots of offensive skill to their blueline. He will also bring plenty of skill to the power play and some mobility to their defense. Despite being a bit inconsistent in his scoring, he should be a good fit for Toronto.

Lightning Sign Blair Jones to One-Year Contract

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Friday that they have signed center Blair Jones to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 18 games last season with the Lightning, he had one goal and two assists for three points. He also appeared in 56 games with Norfolk of the AHL, scoring 24 goals and 31 assists for 55 points and 75 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Lightning, as Jones has a little offensive skill and plays with some toughness. He will likely spend a good chunk of next season in the minors, but could see some time with Tampa Bay if injuries start to mount.

Lightning Sign Eric Brewer to Four-Year Extension

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they have signed defenseman Eric Brewer to a four-year contract extension worth $16 million. The deal will pay him $4 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Brewer was acquired by the Lightning on February 18 from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for prospect Brock Beukeboom and a third round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. In 76 games last season with the Blues and Lightning, he had nine goals and seven assists for 16 points and 81 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Lightning, as Brewer brings lots of size, stability, toughness, and leadership qualities to the team.

Ryan Smyth Heading to Calgary Pending Ownership Approval

According to TSN's Gord Miller, a trade has been worked out that would see the Los Angeles Kings send left wing Ryan Smyth to the Calgary Flames for a late round pick. No deal has been confirmed and there's no guarantee the trade will go through, as the Flames ownership has delayed the transaction in order to make a final decision. Earlier this week, Smyth requested that the Kings trade him back to the Edmonton Oilers, where he spent the majority of his career. He has one more year on his current contract which has a salary cap hit of $6.25 million. I'll have more on this if the trade goes through.

EDIT

Ryan Smyth will not be going to the Calgary Flames. There is now a tentative deal in place for the Los Angeles Kings to trade Smyth to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Gilbert Brule and a draft pick.

EDIT

Smyth's return to Edmonton is being held up because of the health of Gilbert Brule. Sources say the Kings were willing to take on Brule with the intention of buying out the final year of his contract, but the collective bargaining agreement forbids teams from buying out injured players. For now, it's looks like Smyth is staying in Los Angeles unless the two teams can alter the terms of the trade.

Canadiens Sign Andrei Markov to Three-Year Deal

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Thursday that they have signed defenseman Andrei Markov to a three-year contract worth $17.25 million. The deal will pay him $5.75 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In seven games last season, he had one goal and two assists for three points. Markov missed the last 65 games of the regular season and all seven of Montreal's playoff games with a knee injury. In 623 career NHL games, all with the Canadiens, he has 81 goals and 285 assists for 366 points. This is a decent signing for the Canadiens, as Markov has lots of offensive skill, is excellent on the power play, and is a good puck-mover. However, he has missed extensive time over the past two seasons because of knee injuries and shouldn't be counted on at this time to play a complete 82-game schedule. When healthy, he is an excellent defenseman, but if he should succumb to another injury next season, the Canadiens will likely find themselves looking for a long-term replacement for Markov.

Sharks Sign Devin Setoguchi to Three-Year Extension

The San Jose Sharks announced on Thursday that they have signed right wing Devin Setoguchi to a three-year contract extension worth $9 million. The deal will average out to $3 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 72 games last season, he had 22 goals and 19 assists for 41 points. This is a decent signing for the Sharks, as Setoguchi has plenty of offensive and goal-scoring skill despite being a bit inconsistent. Look for Setoguchi to improve his consistency in the off-season to better his offensive output in 2011-12. If he can improve his offensive output, his $3 million per season could end up being a bargain.

Flyers Sign Ilya Bryzgalov to Nine-Year Contract

The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Thursday that they have signed goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov to a nine-year contract worth $51 million. The announcement came on the same day that the team made a pair of blockbuster trades, sending Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets and Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings, in order to get the 31-year-old netminder signed to a long-term deal. The contract will average out to $5.67 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Flyers acquired the negotiating rights to Bryzgalov on June 7 from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for Matt Clackson, Philadelphia's third round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft, and a conditional draft pick. In 68 games last season with the Coyotes, Bryzgalov posted a 36-20-10 record, seven shutouts, a 2.48 GAA, and a .921 save percentage. It's not a bad signing for the Flyers, as Bryzgalov will give the team the solid starting goaltender they have been seeking for a few seasons now. He will bring lots of veteran depth, size, and talent in goal for the team. However, the contract is a bit lengthy and it cost Philadelphia their top two forwards to facilitate the signing. They would have been better off signing Bryzgalov to an affordable short-term contract to see if he would work out with the team and move some other more expendable players rather than Richards and Carter. The team likely won't be as strong offensively next season as they were in 2010-11, as Simmonds and Voracek won't replace the offensive output of Richards and Carter. However, given the young talent received in the two trades, the Flyers could be a strong team again offensively in just a couple seasons.

Flyers Trade Mike Richards to Kings for Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn

Just moments after the Philadelphia Flyers completed a blockbuster trade in which they sent Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Jakub Voracek, they completed a second major deal. The Flyers sent center and team captain Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for right wing Wayne Simmonds, center Brayden Schenn, and Los Angeles' second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. Richards has nine years remaining on his current contract, while Schenn still has two years left on his entry-level contract. Simmonds will be eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. In 81 games last season with the Flyers, Richards had 23 goals and 43 assists for 66 points, while Simmonds had 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points and 75 penalty minutes in 80 games with the Kings. Schenn appeared in eight games with Los Angeles, scoring two assists. He also played in seven games with Manchester of the AHL, scoring three goals and four assists for seven points, and also appeared in 29 games with Brandon and Saskatoon of the WHL, scoring 22 goals and 35 assists for 57 points. I have to say, this was a very surprising trade to say the least, as I did not expect the Flyers to trade Richards. However, the Kings landed a very excellent center in the deal. Richards will bring lots of offensive and two-way skill to the forward lines, as well as outstanding leadership skills. He will also bring some skill to the penalty kill and plenty of grit. In Simmonds, the Flyers get a forward with some offensive upside who has lots of energy and plays a physical game. He should be an excellent fit for the team on the checking lines. In Schenn, the Flyers get a prospect with lots of two-way and offensive upside who could potentially become the next Mike Richards in Philadelphia. Look for him to fight hard for a roster spot at training camp in September. The move also helped Philadelphia free up some salary cap space to re-sign goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, whom they signed to a nine-year, $51 million contract after the trade. The Flyers are currently $3 million below the salary cap, but still have to re-sign impending restricted free agents Jakub Voracek, Wayne Simmonds, and Andreas Nodl, and may consider re-signing unrestricted free agent Ville Leino. Daniel Carcillo will also be eligible for restricted free agency, but may no longer fit into the team's long-term plans. Look for the Flyers to potentially make more trades throughout the summer to fit all four of the aforementioned players comfortably under the salary cap.

EDIT

The Los Angeles Kings also acquired center Rob Bordson in the deal. He was scheduled to be a restricted free agent on July 1, but the Kings have stated they will not give him a qualifying offer and allow him to become an unrestricted free agent.

Flyers Trade Jeff Carter to Blue Jackets

The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Thursday that they have traded center Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets for right wing Jakub Voracek and Columbus' first and third round picks in the 2011 Entry Draft. Voracek will be eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. Carter will start the first year of his 11 year, $58 million contract next season. In 80 games last season with the Flyers, Carter had 36 goals and 30 assists for 66 points. Voracek had 14 goals and 32 assists for 46 points in 80 games last season. This is a great move for the Blue Jackets, as Carter will give the team a much needed scoring center to play alongside captain Rick Nash. He will bring plenty of offensive and goal-scoring skill to the forward lines, as well as decent size and a good shot. Voracek will give the Flyers lots of offensive skill and scoring upside on the wing. The move also helped the Flyers open up some salary cap space to re-sign recently acquired goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, whom they signed to a nine-year, $51 million contract.

Flames' Robyn Regehr Asked to Waive No-Trade Clause

According to tsn.ca, the Calgary Flames have asked defenseman Robyn Regehr to waive his no-movement clause and accept a trade to the Buffalo Sabres. In 79 games last season, he had two goals and 15 assists for 17 points and 58 penalty minutes. In 826 career NHL games, all with the Flames, he has 29 goals and 134 assists for 163 points and 802 penalty minutes. Definitely an interesting bit of news that has surfaced this afternoon. If Regehr waives his no-movement clause to facilitate a trade to Buffalo, he will bring lots of leadership, grit, and shutdown skills to the team. It will be interesting to see who could be heading to the Flames if the trade occurs. It could also be a salary dumping trade for the Flames to perhaps make another trade, add some players through free agency, or create more salary cap space to re-sign some of their own free agents. I'll have more on this once it is known what Regehr's decision will be.

EDIT

Regehr has waived his no-movement clause to facilitate a trade to the Sabres. The specifics of the trade are not yet known, but it is believed the Flames will send Ales Kotalik to Buffalo as well. The rumored return for Calgary is Chris Butler, Paul Byron, and a second round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft, but nothing has been confirmed thus far. I'll have more on this once the move is finalized.

Devils Sign Jay Leach to One-Year Contract

According to thehockeynews.com, the New Jersey Devils have signed defenseman Jay Leach to a one-year, two-way contract worth $525,000. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by New Jersey on February 9 from the San Jose Sharks along with Steven Zalewski in exchange for Patrick Davis and Michael Swift. Leach appeared in seven games with the Devils after the trade, scoring no points. He also appeared in 66 games with Worcester and Albany of the AHL, scoring two goals and seven assists for nine points. This is really just a depth signing for the Devils, as Leach will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors, where he will provide plenty of defensive depth and grit for Albany.

Blues Sign B.J. Crombeen to Two-Year Contract

The St. Louis Blues announced on Wednesday that they have signed center B.J. Crombeen to a two-year contract extension worth $2 million. The annual salary cap hit for his deal will be $1 million. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 80 games last season, he had seven goals and seven assists for 14 points and 154 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Blues, as Crombeen plays with lots of grit and energy and can also contribute offensively from time to time. Look for him to continue to play a checking line role over the next two seasons.

Wade Belak Announces His Retirement

After 14 seasons in the NHL, Nashville Predators right wing Wade Belak has announced his retirement. In 15 games last season with the Predators, he had no points and 18 penalty minutes. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He was assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL on March 9, but failed to report to the team and didn't play in another game after that point. According to the Nashville Tennessean, Belak will stay in Nashville and focus on the broadcasting and business side of hockey. In 549 career NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Nashville Predators, he has eight goals and 25 assists for 33 points and 1263 penalty minutes. Seeing as how Belak refused to report to the minors and had an extremely limited role in Nashville over the past few seasons, it really comes as no surprise to me that he has decided to retire. He was always a very tough and gritty player who stuck up for his teammates and never backed down from a physical encounter on the ice. I wish Belak all the best in his broadcasting career.

Canadiens Sign David Desharnais to Two-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed center David Desharnais to a two-year contract extension worth $1.7 million. The deal will pay him $750,000 in 2011-12 and $950,000 in 2012-13. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 43 games last season with Montreal, he had eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points. He also appeared in 35 games with Hamilton of the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 35 assists for 45 points. Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Desharnais has some offensive upside, skates well, and is a hard worker on the ice. Look for him to continue to improve his skills over the next two years.

Flames Sign Henrik Karlsson to Two-Year Contract

The Calgary Flames announced today that they have signed goaltender Henrik Karlsson to a two-year contract extension worth $1.75 million. The deal will average out to $875,000 per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 17 games last season, he posted a 4-5-6 record, with a 2.58 GAA and a .908 save percentage. Not a bad depth signing for the Flames, as Karlsson as good size and some upside to becoming a starting goaltender. Look for him to continue to be the backup to Miikka Kiprusoff over the next two years.

Panthers Sign Tim Kennedy to One-Year Extension

The Florida Panthers announced today that they have signed left wing Tim Kennedy to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by the Panthers on February 26 from the New York Rangers along with a third round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft in exchange for defenseman Bryan McCabe. In six games last season with Florida, Kennedy had one assist. He also appeared in 67 games with Connecticut and Rochester of the AHL, scoring 12 goals and 37 assists for 49 points. This is really just a depth move for the Panthers, as Kennedy likely won't be much of a difference maker offensively for the team. He does play with some energy and has some playmaking skills, so he may make the team's opening roster next season on the third or fourth line.

Blue Jackets Sign Nick Holden to One-Year Contract

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have signed defenseman Nick Holden to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In five games last season with Columbus, he had no points. He also appeared in 67 games with Springfield of the AHL, scoring four goals and 21 assists for 25 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Blue Jackets, as Holden has good size and some offensive upside. However, he will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors.

Red Wings Sign Nicklas Lidstrom to One-Year Contract

Nicklas Lidstrom will be returning to the NHL for a 20th season. The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have signed the 41-year-old star defenseman to a one-year contract worth $6.2 million, the same salary he made last year. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and had been considering retirement. In all 82 games last season, he had 16 goals and 46 assists for 62 points. In 11 playoff games, he added four goals and four assists for eight points. In 1494 career NHL games, all with Detroit, he has 253 goals and 855 assists for 1108 points. Lidstrom has won four Stanley Cups with Detroit (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008), the Norris Trophy six times as the league's top defenseman (2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008), the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP (2002), and an Olympic Gold Medal (2006). He is a finalist for the Norris Trophy, Lady Byng Trophy, and Mark Messier Leadership Award for the 2010-11 season. This is an excellent signing for the Red Wings, as Lidstrom is easily the best defenseman in the league today and one of the greatest defensemen of all time. He is a very intelligent offensive defenseman with an accurate shot who excels in the defensive zone and is excellent on the power play. Lidstrom's return will be welcome news to Red Wings fans who were stunned nearly one month ago when defenseman Brian Rafalski unexpectedly announced his retirement. Now with Lidstrom back in the fold for one more year, expect Detroit to be aggressive in the coming weeks to acquire a standout replacement for Rafalski.

Canadiens Sign Max Pacioretty to Two-Year Deal

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed left wing Max Pacioretty to a two-year contract extension worth $3.25 million. The deal averages out to $1.625 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 37 games last season with the Canadiens, Pacioretty had 14 goals and 10 assists for 24 points. He missed the last 15 games of the regular season and all seven of Montreal's playoff games with a concussion and fractured vertebrae he sustained after a check from Boston's Zdeno Chara. He also appeared in 27 games with Hamilton of the AHL, scoring 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points. Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Pacioretty skates well and has some scoring and offensive upside. He will likely continue to improve his skills over the next two years.

2011 NHL Award Nominees & Winners

Here is a list of the NHL players who will be up for awards for the 2010-2011 season. The NHL Awards Ceremony will take place on June 22 in Las Vegas. The finalists for each trophy will be listed as the NHL announces them over the next two weeks, starting April 19. The winners of each award will be in bold and italics.


PLAYER AWARDS

ART ROSS TROPHY - Top Point Scorer
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks - 104 points

MAURICE "ROCKET" RICHARD TROPHY - Top Goal Scorer
Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks - 50 goals

WILLIAM M. JENNINGS TROPHY - Fewest Goals Allowed
Roberto Luongo & Cory Schneider, Vancouver Canucks - 185 goals allowed

VEZINA TROPHY - Top Goaltender
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks
Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators
Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY - Top Defensive Forward
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY - Skill/Sportsmanship
Loui Eriksson, Dallas Stars
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY - Top Rookie
Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks
Michael Grabner, New York Islanders
Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY - Top Defenseman
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators

BILL MASTERTON MEMORIAL TROPHY - Perseverance & Dedication to Hockey
Ray Emery, Anaheim Ducks
Daymond Langkow, Calgary Flames
Ian Laperriere, Philadelphia Flyers

NHL FOUNDATION PLAYER AWARD - Contributions to Charitable Causes
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings
Mike Green, Washington Capitals
Daniel & Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

JACK ADAMS AWARD - Top Head Coach
Dan Bylsma, Pittsburgh Penguins
Barry Trotz, Nashville Predators
Alain Vigneault, Vancouver Canucks

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY - League MVP
Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

TED LINDSAY AWARD (Formerly Lester B. Pearson Award) - MVP Voted by the NHLPA
Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD - Top General Manager
Mike Gillis, Vancouver Canucks
David Poile, Nashville Predators
Steve Yzerman, Tampa Bay Lightning

MARK MESSIER LEADERSHIP AWARD - Top Leader in Hockey
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

KING CLANCY TROPHY - Humanitarian Contribution to Hockey
Doug Weight, New York Islanders

CONN SMYTHE TROPHY - Playoff MVP
Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins


TEAM AWARDS

PRESIDENT'S TROPHY - Top Team Based on Points
Vancouver Canucks - 117 Pts.

PRINCE OF WALES TROPHY - Eastern Conference Champions
Boston Bruins

CLARENCE S. CAMPBELL TROPHY - Western Conference Champions
Vancouver Canucks

STANLEY CUP - League Champions
Boston Bruins


NHL FIRST ALL-STAR TEAM
Tim Thomas, G - Boston Bruins
Nicklas Lidstrom, D - Detroit Red Wings
Shea Weber, D - Nashville Predators
Henrik Sedin, C - Vancouver Canucks
Corey Perry, RW - Anaheim Ducks
Daniel Sedin, LW - Vancouver Canucks

NHL SECOND ALL-STAR TEAM
Pekka Rinne, G - Nashville Predators
Zdeno Chara, D - Boston Bruins
Lubomir Visnovsky, D - Anaheim Ducks
Steven Stamkos, C - Tampa Bay Lightning
Martin St. Louis, RW - Tampa Bay Lightning
Alex Ovechkin, LW - Washington Capitals

NHL ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Corey Crawford, G - Chicago Blackhawks
P.K. Subban, D - Montreal Canadiens
John Carlson, D - Washington Capitals
Jeff Skinner, C - Carolina Hurricanes
Michael Grabner, RW - New York Islanders
Logan Couture, LW - San Jose Sharks

2011 NHL Entry Draft Order - First Round

Here is the order for the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The first round of the draft will take place on Friday, June 24 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Rounds 2-7 will take place on Saturday, June 25.

1. Edmonton - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C - Red Deer, WHL
   
2. Colorado - Gabriel Landeskog, LW - Kitchener, OHL
   
3. Florida - Jonathan Huberdeau, C - Saint John, QMJHL
   
4. New Jersey - Adam Larsson, D - Skelleftea, Sweden
   
5. New York Islanders - Ryan Strome, C - Niagara, OHL
   
6. Ottawa - Mika Zibanejad, C - Djurgarden, Sweden
   
7. Winnipeg - Mark Scheifele, C - Barrie, OHL
   
8. Philadelphia (from Columbus) - Sean Couturier, C - Drummondville, QMJHL
   
9. Boston (from Toronto) - Dougie Hamilton, D - Niagara, OHL
   
10. Minnesota - Josh Brodin, D - Farjestad, Sweden
    
11. Colorado (from St. Louis) - Duncan Siemens, D - Saskatoon, WHL
    
12. Carolina - Ryan Murphy, D - Kitchener, OHL
    
13. Calgary - Sven Baertschi, LW - Portland, WHL
    
14. Dallas - Jamie Oleksiak, D - Northeastern, HE
    
15. New York Rangers - J.T. Miller, C - USA U-18, USHL
    
16. Buffalo - Joel Armia, RW - Assat, Finland
    
17. Montreal - Nathan Beaulieu, D - Saint John, QMJHL
    
18. Chicago - Mark McNeill, C - Prince Albert, WHL
    
19. Edmonton (from Los Angeles) - Oscar Klefbom, D - Farjestad, Sweden
    
20. Phoenix - Connor Murphy, D - USA U-18, USHL
    
21. Ottawa (from Nashville) - Stefan Noesen, RW - Plymouth, OHL
    
22. Toronto (from Anaheim) - Tyler Biggs, RW - USA U-18, USHL
    
23. Pittsburgh - Joe Morrow, D - Portland, WHL
    
24. Ottawa (from Detroit) - Matt Puempel, LW - Peterborough, OHL
    
25. Toronto (from Philadelphia) - Stuart Percy, D - Mississauga St. Michael's, OHL
    
26. Chicago (from Washington) - Phillip Danault, LW - Victoriaville, QMJHL
    
27. Tampa Bay - Vladislav Namestnikov, C - London, OHL
    
28. Minnesota (from San Jose) - Zack Phillips, C - Saint John, QMJHL
    
29. Vancouver - Nicklas Jensen, LW - Oshawa, OHL
    
30. Anaheim (from Boston, from Toronto) - Rickard Rakell, RW - Plymouth, OHL
    

NY Islanders Sign Trevor Gillies to One-Year Contract

The New York Islanders announced on Friday that they have signed left wing Trevor Gillies to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 39 games last season with the Islanders, he had two goals and 165 penalty minutes. He missed 19 games this past March due to suspensions for two separate incidents involving hits to the heads of Pittsburgh's Eric Tangradi and Minnesota's Cal Clutterbuck. This is nothing more than a depth signing for the Islanders, as Gillies plays with lots of grit and toughness, but has no offensive upside. Look for him to spend more time in the penalty box than actually playing on the ice next season.

NY Rangers Sign Chad Kolarik to Contract Extension

The New York Rangers announced on Friday that they have signed right wing Chad Kolarik to a contract extension. The exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a Group Six unrestricted free agent on July 1. In four games last season with the Rangers, he had no points. He also appeared in 49 games with Springfield and Connecticut of the AHL, scoring 21 goals and 20 assists for 41 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Rangers, as Kolarik will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Capitals Sign Dany Sabourin to One-Year Extension

According to the hockeynews.com, the Washington Capitals have signed goaltender Dany Sabourin to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 23 games last season with Hershey of the AHL, he posted a 14-9-0 record, two shutouts, a 2.45 GAA, and a .908 save percentage. Not a bad depth signing for the Capitals, as Sabourin will provide solid backup skills for the team if he is recalled from the minors at some point next season. Otherwise, expect him to spend most of the season with Hershey as their backup goaltender.

Sharks Sign Sean Sullivan to One-Year Extension

According to the hockeynews.com, the San Jose Sharks have signed defenseman Sean Sullivan to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 73 games last season with Worcester of the AHL, he had 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Sharks, as Sullivan will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Wild Sign Nate Prosser to One-Year Deal

According to thehockeynews.com, the Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman Nate Prosser to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In two games this past season with the Wild, he had no points. He also appeared in 73 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Wild, as Prosser has good size and some offensive potential. However, he will more than likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Avalanche Re-Sign Ryan Stoa and David Liffiton

According to thehockeynews.com, the Colorado Avalanche have signed left wing Ryan Stoa and defenseman David Liffiton to one-year contract extensions. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. Both players would have been free agents on July 1. In 25 games last season with the Avalanche, Stoa had two goals and two assists for four points. He also appeared in 48 games with Lake Erie of the AHL, scoring 16 goals and 17 assists for 33 points. Liffiton played in four games with Colorado last season, scoring one goal. He also appeared in 18 games with Lake Erie, scoring one goal and three assists for four points and 57 penalty minutes. Stoa isn't a bad depth signing for the Avalanche, as he has some two-way skill and has a little offensive ability. If he makes the team next season, it will likely be on the fourth line. Liffiton is really just a depth signing and he will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Ducks Sign Nate Guenin to Two-Year Contract

According to thehockeynews.com, the Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Nate Guenin to a two-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by the Ducks from the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 4 in exchange for Trevor Smith. In three games this past season with the Blue Jackets, Guenin had no points. He did not appear in any games with the Ducks. He also played in 73 games with Syracuse and Springfield of the AHL, scoring two goals and 15 assists for 17 points and 65 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Ducks, as Guenin will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors.

Avalanche Sign Joakim Lindstrom to One-Year Deal

The Colorado Avalanche announced on Thursday that they have signed left wing Joakim Lindstrom to a one-year contract worth $600,000. In 54 games last season with Skelleftea of the Swedish League, he had 28 goals and 32 assists for 60 points and 134 penalty minutes. He last played in the NHL during the 2008-09 season with the Phoenix Coyotes. This is an okay depth signing for the Avalanche, as Lindstrom does have some offensive ability. However, he hasn't had much success offensively at the NHL level, so he may end up on Colorado's third or fourth line next season, if he makes the team.

Ducks Sign Sean Zimmerman to One-Year Contract

The Anaheim Ducks announced on Thursday that they have signed defenseman Sean Zimmerman to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. He was acquired by the Ducks on February 27 from the Boston Bruins along with Brian McGrattan in exchange for David Laliberte and Stefan Chaput. In 51 games last season with Rochester, Providence, and Syracuse of the AHL, he had seven assists. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Ducks, as Zimmerman will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Devils Acquire Maxim Noreau from Wild for David McIntyre

The New Jersey Devils announced today that they have acquired defenseman Maxim Noreau from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for center David McIntyre. Noreau will be eligible for restricted free agency on July 1, while McIntyre still has one more year left on his current contract. In five games last season with the Wild, Noreau had no points. He also appeared in 76 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 44 assists for 54 points. McIntyre played in 78 games with Albany of the AHL last season, scoring 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points. Not a bad depth move for the Devils, as Noreau has lots of offensive potential and can play with a little bit of toughness. There's a good chance he could make the team next season as a sixth or seventh defenseman. Noreau had fallen down the depth chart in Minnesota and would have had a hard time making the team given the number of offensive blueliners already on the roster. He will definitely get a chance to crack an NHL roster full time in New Jersey. As for the Wild, they get a little offensive depth in McIntyre, but he will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Stars Sign Richard Bachman and Dan Spang to One-Year Deals

The Dallas Stars announced today that they have signed goaltender Richard Bachman and defenseman Dan Spang to one-year, two-way contracts. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. Bachman would have been a restricted free agent on July 1, while Spang was signed as a free agent. Bachman appeared in one game with the Stars last season, playing the last 10 minutes of the December 11, 2010 game against the Phoenix Coyotes after Andrew Raycroft allowed five goals on 30 shots. He made four saves and allowed no goals. He also played in 55 games with Texas of the AHL, posting a 28-19-5 record, six shutouts, a 2.20 GAA, and a .927 save percentage. Spang appeared in 77 games last season with Texas, scoring 10 goals and 27 assists for 37 points. These are really just depth signings for the Stars, as both players will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Hurricanes Sign Jay Harrison to Two-Year Contract

The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that they have signed defenseman Jay Harrison to a two-year contract extension worth $1.4 million. The deal will pay him $650,000 in 2011-12 and $750,000 in 2012-13. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 72 games last season with the Hurricanes, he had three goals and seven assists for 10 points and 72 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Hurricanes, as Harrison is a stay-at-home defenseman with good size and strength and plays with lots of toughness. He will likely continue to play as the team's sixth defenseman over the next two years.

Mark Recchi Announces His Retirement

Just moments after the Boston Bruins won their first Stanley Cup since 1972, Bruins' right wing Mark Recchi announced his retirement from hockey. In 81 games this past season, he had 14 goals and 34 assists for 48 points. He also had five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 25 playoff games. He would have been an eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1. In 1652 career NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, Atlanta Thrashers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Boston Bruins, Recchi has 577 goals and 956 assists for 1533 points and 1033 penalty minutes. He won the Stanley Cup in 1991 with the Penguins and 2006 with the Hurricanes in addition to winning with the Bruins. This comes as no surprise, as Recchi hinted that if the Bruins won the Stanley Cup, he would retire from hockey. He always had great goal-scoring skill and was an excellent playmaker on the ice. He was also a proven leader and played with lots of energy. It's great to see Recchi go out on top as a winner and he will definitely be in the Hockey Hall of Fame one day. I wish him all the best in retirement.

Predators Sign Teemu Laakso to One-Year Contract

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have signed defenseman Teemu Laakso to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay him $675,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In one game this past season with the Predators, Laakso had no points. He also appeared in 74 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring eight goals and 22 assists for 30 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Predators, as Laakso has good size and some offensive upside. More than likely he will spend most of next season in the minors, but could earn a role as a six or seventh defenseman if he impresses at training camp in September.

Lightning Sign Mike Angelidis to One-Year Contract

According to tsn.ca, the Tampa Bay Lightning have signed left wing Mike Angelidis to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a Group Six unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 80 games this past season with Norfolk of the AHL, he had 20 goals and 18 assists for 38 points and 169 penalty minutes. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Lightning, as Angelidis will likely spend most, if not all, of next season in the minors.

Capitals Sign Patrick McNeill to Two-Year Contract

The Washington Capitals announced today that they have signed defenseman Patrick McNeill to a two-year, two-way contract worth $1.05 million. The deal will pay him $525,000 each season at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 51 games this past season with Hershey of the AHL, he had seven goals and 20 assists for 27 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Capitals, as McNeill will likely spend much of next season in the minors, but it's not a bad depth signing. He does have a little offensive skill, so he will be a good asset for Hershey and could provide some defensive depth for the Capitals if he is recalled from the minors in the event of an injury.

Blues Sign Vladimir Sobotka to Three-Year Deal

The St. Louis Blues announced today that they have signed center Vladimir Sobotka to a three-year contract extension worth $3.9 million. The deal will pay him $1.2 million in 2011-12, $1.3 million in 2012-13, and $1.4 million in 2013-14. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 65 games this past season, he had seven goals and 22 assists for 29 points and 69 penalty minutes. He missed four games with a shoulder injury and 13 games with a fractured foot. Not a bad signing for the Blues, as Sobotka plays with lots of energy and toughness and has a little offensive upside. He should be a good fit on the checking lines for the next three years.

Maple Leafs Sign Carl Gunnarsson to Two-Year Extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that they have signed defenseman Carl Gunnarsson to a two-year contract extension worth $2.65 million. The deal averages out to $1.325 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 68 games this past season, he had four goals and 16 assists for 20 points. This is a decent signing for the Maple Leafs, as Gunnarsson is one of the team's more promising young defensemen. He's a decent puck-mover who has some offensive upside, so he will likely fill a top-four defensive role for the team over the next couple of seasons.

Lightning Sign Michael Vernace to One-Year Deal

The Tampa bay Lightning announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Michael Vernace to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a Group Six unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 10 games this past season with the Lightning, he had one assist. He also appeared in 68 games with Norfolk of the AHL, scoring seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Lightning, as Vernace will likely spend much of next season in the minors. If he does see any time with Tampa Bay, it will be in the event of an injury to one of their regular defensemen.

Penguins Sign Ryan Craig to One-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Monday that they have signed left wing Ryan Craig to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In six games this past season with the Penguins, he had no points. He also appeared in 71 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, scoring 19 goals and 29 assists for 48 points and 84 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Penguins, as Craig will likely spend much of next season in the minors. He does possess some offensive skill, but injuries have effected his game. He also plays with some toughness, so he could play a role on the team's fourth line next season in the event of an injury.

Blues Sign Chris Porter to One-Year Contract

The St. Louis Blues announced today that they have signed center Chris Porter to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 45 games this past season with the Blues, he had three goals and four assists for seven points. He also appeared in 36 games with Peoria of the AHL, scoring nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Blues, as Porter is likely to spend a good chunk of next season in the minors. If he does play any games with St. Louis, he will bring plenty of offensive depth to the fourth line.

Blue Jackets Sign Clitsome to Two-Year Deal

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have signed defenseman Grant Clitsome to a two-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been eligible for Group Six unrestricted free agency on July 1. In 31 games this past season with Columbus, he had four goals and 15 assists for 19 points. He missed eight games with a knee injury. He also appeared in 32 games with Springfield of the AHL, scoring five goals and 10 assists for 15 points. This is a decent signing for the Blue Jackets, as Clitsome has been a reliable defenseman for the club over the past two seasons. He has some offensive skill and plays well in the defensive zone, so he should continue to be a reliable defenseman for the team over the next two years.

Canadiens Sign Mathieu Darche to One-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed left wing Mathieu Darche to a one-year contract worth $700,000. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 59 games this past season, he had 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points. He missed 15 games with a groin injury. In 189 career NHL games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Montreal Canadiens, he has 25 goals and 35 assists for 60 points. This is a good depth signing for the Canadiens, as Darche is a very hard-working forward on the ice who plays with lots of heart. He will continue to bring plenty of veteran, offensive depth to the team's fourth line next season.

Stars Re-Sign Forwards Travis Morin and Colton Sceviour

The Dallas Stars announced on Thursday that they have signed center Travis Morin to a two-year, two-way contract worth $1.05 million and right wing Colton Sceviour to a one-year, two-way contract. Morin's contract will pay him $525,000 per season at the NHL level and $125,000 at the AHL level, while the financial terms of Sceviour's deal were not disclosed. Both players would have been free agents this summer. In three games this past season with Dallas, Morin had no points. He also appeared in 64 games with Texas of the AHL, scoring 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points. Sceviour played in one game with the Stars, scoring no points. He also appeared in 77 games with Texas, scoring 16 goals and 25 assists for 41 points. These are really just depth signings for the Stars, as both players will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors.

Penguins Sign Craig Adams to Two-Year Extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Thursday that they have signed center Craig Adams to a two-year contract worth $1.35 million. The deal will pay him $525,000 each season, with a $200,000 signing bonus next season, and $100,000 in 2012-13. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 80 games this past season, he had four goals and 11 assists for 15 points and 76 penalty minutes. In 669 career NHL games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, and Pittsburgh Penguins, he has 41 goals and 74 assists for 115 points and 531 penalty minutes. Not a bad move for the Penguins, as Adams has really good defensive skills as a forward. He's excellent on the penalty kill, is a great shot blocker, and plays with lots of grit. He will continue to be an excellent fit on the team's checking lines and penalty kill over the next two seasons.

Canadiens Sign Andrei Kostitsyn to One-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Thursday that they have signed right wing Andrei Kostitsyn to a one-year contract extension worth $3.25 million. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 81 games this past season, he had 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points. In 326 career NHL games, all with Montreal, he has 87 goals and 99 assists for 186 points. Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Kostitsyn provides plenty of offensive depth for the club. He has a good shot and can score goals, but can be very inconsistent in his scoring. The 2011-12 season will be an important one for Kostitsyn, as his offensive play will likely determine whether or not the Canadiens re-sign him next summer when he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency. If he can improve on his play from last season, the team may look to keep him for a few more seasons.

Blues Sign Nikita Nikitin to One-Year Deal

The St. Louis Blues announced on Thursday that they have signed defenseman Nikita Nikitin to a one-year contract worth $600,000. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 41 games this past season, his first in the NHL, he had one goal and eight assists for nine points. He also appeared in 22 games with Peoria of the AHL, scoring three goals and 11 assists for 14 points. Not a bad move for the Blues, as Nikitin has lots of defensive upside. He's a good puckmover back on the blueline, so he should be a decent fit on defense next season for the Blues.

Maple Leafs Sign James Reimer to Three-Year Deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Thursday that they have signed goaltender James Reimer to a three-year contract extension worth $5.4 million. The deal averages out to $1.8 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 37 games this past season, Reimer posted a 20-10-5 record, three shutouts, a 2.60 GAA, and a .921 save percentage. He also appeared in 15 games with Toronto of the AHL, posting a 9-5-1 record, three shutouts, a 2.59 GAA, and a .920 save percentage. This is a good signing for the Maple Leafs, as Reimer was very impressive in goal after being recalled from the minors this past January. He has good size and has the skills to play either a starting or backup role. More than likely, he will start next season splitting the goaltending duties with Jonas Gustavsson and could be elevated to the starter's role if he can outplay the Swedish netminder or if he misses time because of an injury.

Flames Sign Brett Carson to Two-Year Extension

The Calgary Flames announced on Thursday that they have signed defenseman Brett Carson to a two-year contract extension worth $1.15 million. The deal will pay him $550,000 in 2011-12 and $600,000 in 2012-13. He would have been a Group Six unrestricted free agent on July 1. Carson was claimed off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes by the Flames on February 28. In 19 games last season with the Hurricanes and Flames, he had no points, but did post a plus-nine rating. He also appeared in 38 games with Charlotte of the AHL, scoring four goals and 16 assists for 20 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Flames, as Carson has good size and can chip in offensively. Look for him to be a depth defenseman on the third defensive pairing next season.

Panthers Sign Mark Cullen to One-Year Contract

The Florida Panthers have announced that they have signed center Mark Cullen to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 28 games this past season with Rochester of the AHL, he had five goals and nine assists for 14 points. In 32 career NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers, he has seven goals and nine assists for 16 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Panthers, as Cullen is likely to spend all of next season in the minors once again.

Flyers Acquire Negotiating Rights to Ilya Bryzgalov

The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Tuesday night that they have acquired the negotiating rights to goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for the negotiating rights to right wing Matt Clackson, Philadelphia's third-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft, and a conditional draft pick. The conditional pick will likely depend on whether the Flyers sign Bryzgalov to a contract or not. The move will now give Philadelphia negotiating rights to a new contract with the 30-year-old Russian goaltender until he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Coyotes will have the same opportunity with Clackson, as he will be a Group Six unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 68 games this past season with the Coyotes, Bryzgalov posted a 36-20-10 record, seven shutouts, a 2.48 GAA, and a .921 save percentage. Clackson appeared in 62 games this past season with Adirondack of the AHL, scoring one goal and three assists for four points and 118 penalty minutes. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Not a bad trade for the Flyers if they can get Bryzgalov signed before July 1, as he will bring lots of depth, size, and talent in goal to the team. However, signing him to a contract will likely create salary cap problems for the team, which could require a trade to solve the problem. Also, signing Bryzgalov would make him their starting goalie, which will push Sergei Bobrovsky down the depth chart. It is possible Philadelphia could bring in Bryzgalov short-term to serve as a mentor to Bobrovsky so that he could potentially take over the starter's position in a couple seasons, but if he is signed long-term, it could result in an eventual trade of Bobrovsky down the road. Only time will tell if the Flyers will actually sign Bryzgalov or let him hit the free agent market on July 1. As for the Coyotes, if they sign Clackson, he will bring lots of grit and toughness to their lineup, but he doesn't really have a lot of offensive upside. Only time will tell if Phoenix will sign him to a contract.

Coyotes Sign Jason Labarbera to Two-Year Extension

The Phoenix Coyotes announced on Monday that they have signed goaltender Jason Labarbera to a two-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 17 games this past season, he posted a 7-6-3 record, two shutouts, a 3.26 GAA, and a .909 save percentage. In 141 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, and Phoenix Coyotes, he has a 52-55-14 record, six shutouts, a 2.90 GAA, and a .906 save percentage. This is an okay signing for the Coyotes as Labarbera has been somewhat steady as a backup goaltender for the team. He has good size and provides plenty of veteran depth in goal for the team despite being a bit inconsistent at the NHL level. Even though there is a good chance starter Ilya Bryzgalov could leave the Coyotes via unrestricted free agency this summer, the team would likely replace him with another starter, leaving Labarbera as the backup once again next season.

Blues Sign T.J. Hensick to Two-Year Deal

The St. Louis Blues announced on Monday that they have signed center T.J. Hensick to a two-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 13 games this past season with the Blues, Hensick had one goal and two assists for three points. He also appeared in 59 games with Peoria of the AHL, scoring 21 goals and 48 assists for 69 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Blues, as Hensick will likely spend a good chunk of next season in the minors once again. If he does play for St. Louis next season, he will bring plenty of speed and versatility to the team, but it will likely be in the event of an injury.

Penguins Sign Nick Johnson to One-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they have signed right wing Nick Johnson to a one-year, two-way contract worth $550,000. He would have been a group six unrestricted free agent on July 1. In four games this past season with the Penguins, Johnson had one goal and two assists for three points. He missed the last 23 games of the regular season and all seven of Pittsburgh's playoff games with a concussion. He also appeared in 48 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL last season, scoring 20 goals and 19 assists for 39 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Penguins, as Johnson has good size, works hard on the ice, and has a little offensive upside. Any ice time he sees with the Penguins next season will likely be on the fourth line as a complimentary winger.