Kings Sign Trent Hunter to One-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced on Friday that they have signed right wing Trent Hunter to a one-year contract worth $600,000. He had been attending the team's training camp on a tryout basis. Hunter was traded to the New Jersey Devils by the New York Islanders this past summer for Brian Rolston, but then had his contract bought out by the Devils. In 17 games last season with the Islanders, he had one goal and three assists for four points. He missed the last 61 games of the regular season with a torn left MCL. Not a bad depth signing for the Kings, as Hunter will bring some size, grit, and offensive depth to forward lines. Look for him to play a role on the checking lines this coming season.

NY Islanders Sign Steve Staios to One-Year Contract

The New York Islanders announced today that they have signed defenseman Steve Staios to a one-year contract. The deal is reportedly worth at least $800,000 but could increase to $1.6 million if he earns all of his bonuses. He had been attending the team's training camp on a tryout basis. In 39 games last season with the Calgary Flames, he had three goals and seven assists for 10 points. He missed 27 games with an upper body injury. Not a bad depth signing for the Islanders, as Staios will bring plenty of grit, leadership, and defensive depth to the team.

Wild Claim Nick Johnson Off Waivers from Penguins

The Minnesota Wild announced on Thursday that they have claimed right wing Nick Johnson off waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins. In four games last season with the Penguins, he had one goal and two assists for three points. He also appeared in 48 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, scoring 20 goals and 19 assists for 39 points. He missed the last 23 games of the regular season and all seven of Pittsburgh's playoff games with a concussion. Not a bad pickup for the Wild, as Johnson has good size, works hard on the ice, and has a little offensive upside. If he secures a roster spot with the Wild for this upcoming season, it will likely be as a fourth-line complimentary winger.

Capitals Sign Jason Chimera to Two-Year Extension

The Washington Capitals announced today that they have signed left wing Jason Chimera to a two-year contract extension worth $3.5 million. The deal will pay him $1.8 million in 2012-13 and $1.7 million in 2013-14. He would have been an unrestricted free agent next summer. In 81 games last season with the Capitals, he had 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points. Not a bad move for the Capitals, as Chimera brings plenty of grit and two-way skill to the lineup. He's also got good speed and effective on the penalty kill, making him a decent role-player for the team

Kings Sign Cam Paddock to One-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have signed center Cam Paddock to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He had been attending the Kings' training camp on a tryout basis. In 46 games last season with the Iserlohn Roosters of the German league, he had five goals and 12 assists for 17 points. He last appeared in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues during the 2008-09 season. This is really just a depth signing for the Kings, as Paddock will likely spend all of this upcoming season in the minors.

Canadiens Sign Chris Campoli to One-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed defenseman Chris Campoli to a one-year contract worth $1.75 million. He was a restricted free agent this past summer with the Chicago Blackhawks and was scheduled for an arbitration hearing on August 3. However, the Blackhawks were not interested in paying the arbitration award and the hearing was moved up, with Campoli being awarded a one-year, $2.5 million contract. The Blackhawks walked away from the award, making him an unrestricted free agent. In 77 games last season with the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks, he had four goals and 17 assists for 21 points. This is an okay signing for the Canadiens, as Campoli will bring some offensive depth and puckmoving skill to the team's blueline. However, his defensive game is a bit lacking and he doesn't play with a lot of consistency, and more than likely, he will play as a sixth or seventh defenseman next season. With speculation that Andrei Markov may not be ready for the start of the 2011-12 season, Campoli will add sufficient depth until Markov makes his return to the lineup.

2011 NHL Training Camp Player Tryouts

Below is a list of former NHL players who have received an invitation from an NHL team to attend their training camp on a tryout basis. None of these players have been signed to a contract and are still free agents. More players will be added to this list as invitations are handed out in the coming weeks. Players are arranged by team. The teams listed next to the players indicate where they played during the 2010-11 season. This list will only include players who were signed to an NHL contract at some point during their hockey careers.


BOSTON BRUINS
Chris Clark, RW (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL) (released)
Kirk MacDonald, RW (Providence Bruins, AHL) (assigned to Providence, AHL, no NHL contract)

BUFFALO SABRES
Joe Finley, LW (Hershey Bears, AHL/South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL) (assigned to Rochester, AHL, no NHL contract)

CALGARY FLAMES
John Armstrong, C (Abbotsford Heat, AHL) (assigned to Abbotsford, AHL, No NHL contract)
Quintin Laing, LW (Abbotsford Heat, AHL/Victoria Salmon Kings, ECHL) (signed AHL contract) (assigned to Abbotsford, AHL, No NHL contract)

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Ray Emery, G (Anaheim Ducks, NHL/Syracuse Crunch, AHL) (signed 1 year contract worth $600,000)
Brian Fahey, D (Washington Capitals, NHL/Hershey Bears, AHL) (signed AHL contract) (assigned to Rockford, AHL, no NHL contract)
Jim Fahey, D (Did Not Play)

COLORADO AVALANCHE
Mike Brennan, D (Toronto Marlies, AHL) (assigned to Lake Erie, AHL, no NHL contract)

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
Trevor Ludwig, D (Texas Stars, AHL) (released)
Ben Ondrus, RW (Oklahoma City Barons, AHL)

DETROIT RED WINGS
Greg Amadio, D (Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL) (assigned to Grand Rapids, AHL, no NHL contract)
Fabian Brunnstrom, RW (Texas Stars, AHL/Toronto Marlies, AHL) (signed 1 year, two-way contract worth $600,000)
Ryan Johnson, C (Chicago Blackhawks, NHL/Rockford IceHogs, AHL) (released)

FLORIDA PANTHERS
Bill Thomas, RW (Florida Panthers NHL/Rochester Americans, AHL) (signed AHL contract) (assigned to San Antonio, AHL, No NHL contract)

LOS ANGELES KINGS
Shaun Heshka, D (EC Salzburg, Austria) (released)
Trent Hunter, RW (New York Islanders, NHL) (signed to 1 year contract worth $600,000)
Ray Macias, D (Colorado Avalanche, NHL/Lake Erie Monsters, AHL) (released)
Cam Paddock, C (Iserlohn Roosters, Germany) (signed to 1 year contract)
J.D. Watt, RW (Abbotsford Heat, AHL/San Antonio Rampage, AHL) (released)

MINNESOTA WILD
Jordan Hendry, D (Chicago Blackhawks, NHL) (released)

MONTREAL CANADIENS
Zack Fitzgerald, D (Charlotte Checkers, AHL) (signed AHL contract) (assigned to Hamilton, AHL, no NHL contract)

NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Scott Ford, D (Milwaukee Admirals, AHL) (released)

NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Steve Bernier, RW (Florida Panthers, NHL) (released)
Nathan Perkovich, RW (Albany Devils, AHL) (signed AHL contract) (assigned to Albany, AHL, no NHL contract)
Myles Stoesz, LW (Albany Devils, AHL/Trenton Devils, ECHL) (signed AHL contract) (assigned to Albany, AHL, no NHL contract)
Anton Stralman, D (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL) (released)
Petr Sykora, RW (Plzen HC, Czech Republic/Dynamo Minsk, KHL) (signed to 1 year contract worth $650,000)

NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Jay Pandolfo, LW (Springfield Falcons, AHL) (signed to 1 year contract)
Steve Staios, D (Calgary Flames, NHL) (signed to 1 year contract)

OTTAWA SENATORS
Josh Godfrey, D (Hershey Bears, AHL/Chicago Wolves, AHL/South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL) (released)
Brian Stewart, G (Adirondack Phantoms, AHL/Greenville Road Warriors, ECHL/Bakersfield Condors, ECHL) (released)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Garrett Klotz, LW (Adirondack Phantoms, AHL/Greenville Road Warriors, ECHL) (assigned to Adirondack, AHL, no NHL contract)
Adam Mair, C (New Jersey Devils, NHL) (released)
Michael Nylander, C (Rochester Americans, AHL) (released)

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Bryan Lerg, LW (HC Geneve-Servette, Switzerland/Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, AHL) (assigned to Wilkes/Barre-Scranton, AHL, no NHL contract)
Joey Mormina, D (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, AHL) (assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, AHL, no NHL contract)

PHOENIX COYOTES
Ryan Hollweg, LW (Phoenix Coyotes, NHL/San Antonio Rampage, AHL) (assigned to Portland, AHL, no NHL contract)

SAN JOSE SHARKS
Brad Winchester, LW (St. Louis Blues, NHL/Anaheim Ducks, NHL) (signed to 1 year contract)

ST. LOUIS BLUES
Derek Nesbitt, RW (Peoria Rivermen, AHL/Gwinnett Gladiators, ECHL) (assigned to Peoria, AHL, no NHL contract)

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Pierre-Cedric Labrie, LW (Norfolk Admirals, AHL) (assigned to Norfolk, AHL, no NHL contract)
Kevin Quick, D (Norfolk Admirals, AHL) (assigned to Norfolk, AHL, no NHL contract)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Brayden Irwin, C (Toronto Marlies, AHL) (assigned to Toronto, AHL, no NHL contract)
Kelsey Wilson, LW (Milwaukee Admirals, AHL) (signed AHL contract) (assigned to Toronto, AHL, no NHL contract)

VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Steve Begin, LW (Nashville Predators, NHL/Milwaukee Admirals, AHL) (released)
Matt Clackson, RW (Adirondack Phantoms, AHL) (assigned to Chicago, AHL, no NHL contract)
Niko Dimitrakos, RW (Mannheim Adler, Germany/MODO, Sweden) (released)
Anders Eriksson, D (MODO, Sweden/Timra IK, Sweden) (released)
Todd Fedoruk, LW (Did Not Play) (released)
Manny Legace, G (Iserlohn Roosters, Germany) (released)
Owen Nolan, RW (ZSC Lions, Switzerland) (released)

WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Boyd Kane, LW (Hershey Bears, AHL) (signed AHL contract) (assigned to Hershey, AHL, no NHL contract)
Graham Mink, RW (Peoria Rivermen, AHL) (signed AHL contract) (assigned to Hershey, AHL, no NHL contract)
Phil Oreskovic, D (Hershey Bears, AHL) (assigned to Hershey, AHL, no NHL contract)
Joel Rechlicz, RW (Hershey Bears, AHL) (assigned to Hershey, AHL, no NHL contract)
Patrick Wellar, D (Hershey Bears, AHL) (assigned to Hershey, AHL, no NHL contract)

WINNIPEG JETS
David Aebischer, G (HC Lugano, Switzerland) (signed AHL contract) (assigned to St. John's, AHL, no NHL contract)
Troy Bodie, RW (Anaheim Ducks, NHL/Carolina Hurricanes, NHL) (released) (later signed by Anaheim to a 1 year contract worth $550,000)
David Koci, LW (Colorado Avalanche, NHL) (released)
Janne Pesonen, LW (Ak Bars Kazan, KHL) (assigned to St. John's, AHL, no NHL contract)
Shawn Weller, LW (Manitoba Moose, AHL) (assigned to St. John's, AHL, no NHL contract)

Panthers Sign Shawn Matthias to Two-Year Contract

The Florida Panthers have announced that they have signed center Shawn Matthias to a two-year contract worth $1.703 million. The deal is two-way for the 2011-12 season and will pay him $803,000 at the NHL level and $62,500 at the AHL level. For the 2012-13 season, the contract is one-way and is worth $900,000. In 51 games last season, he had six goals and 10 assists for 16 points. He missed 27 games late in the season with an ankle injury. Not a bad depth signing for the Panthers, as Matthias has good size, plenty of two-way ability, and some offensive upside. However, given the veteran depth already on the roster, as well as players like Evgeni Dadonov, Ryan Carter, and Tim Kennedy fighting for roster spots, Matthias will likely find himself fighting for a spot on the team at training camp.

Avalanche Sign Kyle Cumisky to One-Year Deal

The Colorado Avalanche have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Kyle Cumisky to a one-year, two-way contract worth $708,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. In 18 games last season, he had one goal and seven assists for eight points. He missed 35 games early in the 2010-11 season with a concussion and the last 28 games of the season with another concussion. Not a bad depth signing for the Avalanche, as Cumisky is a very mobile defenseman and has some offensive upside. However, given the depth on Colorado's blueline for next season, he will need to compete hard at training camp to earn a spot on the opening night roster.

Jets Sign Kyle Wellwood to One-Year Contract

The Winnipeg Jets have announced that they have signed center Kyle Wellwood to a one-year contract worth $700,000. In 35 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, he had five goals and eight assists for 13 points. He also added one goal and six assists for seven points in 18 playoff games. He also appeared in 25 games early in the 2010-11 campaign with Atlant Mytischi of the KHL, scoring five goals and three assists for eight points. Not a bad signing for the Jets, as Wellwood will add some offensive depth to the forward lines. He is a decent playmaker, but is somewhat inconsistent in his scoring. Look for him to play a checking line role with the Jets next season, and given his fine playoff performance with the Sharks this past season, he may be a good playoff performer for the Jets if they make it to the post-season.

Coyotes Acquire Marc Cheverie from Panthers for Justin Bernhardt

The Phoenix Coyotes have announced that they have acquired goaltender Marc Cheverie from the Florida Panthers in exchange for center Justin Bernhardt. In 15 games last season with Rochester of the AHL, Cheverie posted a 2-7-1 record, with a 3.91 GAA and a .888 save percentage. He also appeared in 30 games with Cincinnati of the ECHL, posting a 13-9-5 record, three shutouts, a 3.11 GAA, and a .896 save percentage. Bernhardt played in 47 games last season with Las Vegas of the ECHL, scoring six goals and 19 assists for 25 points. This is really just a depth trade for both teams, as Cheverie and Bernhardt will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Penguins Sign Richard Park to One-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that they have signed center Richard Park to a one-year, two-way contract that will pay him $550,000 at the NHL level. This will be his second stint with Pittsburgh, where he played from 1994 to 1997. In 47 games last season with Geneve Servette of the Swiss League, Park had 15 goals and 19 assists for 34 points. He last played in the NHL with the New York Islanders during the 2009-10 season. Not a bad depth signing for the Penguins, as Park will bring lots of veteran depth to the roster, as well as some skill to the penalty kill and plenty of speed to the forward lines. Look for him to play a role on one of the checking lines if he makes the team out of training camp.

Bruins Sign Andrew Bodnarchuk to One-Year Contract

The Boston Bruins have announced that they have signed defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk to a one-year, two-way contract worth $635,250 at the NHL level and $67,500 at the AHL level. In 75 games last season with Providence of the AHL, he had one goal and 15 assists for 16 points and 91 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Bruins, as Bodnarchuk plays a physical game and has some puck-moving skill. However, given the depth on Boston's blueline for next season, he will likely spend the majority of the 2011-12 campaign in the minors.

Canucks Re-Sign Victor Oreskovich to One-Year Deal

The Vancouver Canucks have announced that they have re-signed right wing Victor Oreskovich to a one-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 16 games last season with the Canucks, he had three assists. He also appeared in 40 games with Manitoba of the AHL, scoring four goals and eight assists for 12 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Canucks, as Oreskovich brings plenty of size and a little offensive ability to the team. Although, if he makes the team for next season, it will likely be on the fourth line.

Blackhawks Sign Brandon Segal to One-Year Contract

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have signed right wing Brandon Segal to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 46 games last season with the Dallas Stars, he had five goals and five assists for 10 points. He also appeared in 30 games with Texas of the AHL, scoring seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Blackhawks, as Segal will likely spend much of next season in the minors. If he does see any time in the NHL, it will be as an injury replacement.

Blue Jackets Sign Fedor Tyutin to Six-Year Extension

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Wednesday that they have signed defenseman Fedor Tyutin to a six-year contract extension worth $27 million. The deal will have an average annual salary cap hit of $4.5 million. He has one year left on his current contract and would have been an unrestricted free agent next summer. In 80 games last season, he had seven goals and 20 assists for 27 points. Not a bad signing for the Blue Jackets, as Tyutin has become one of the top defenseman on the team over the past few seasons. He has excellent shutdown skills, some offensive ability, and is capable of playing a role on the power play. Look for him to continue to improve his defensive game over the next few seasons.