Flames Sign Tim Jackman to Two-Year Extension

While the Calgary Flames didn't make any trades on Trade Deadline Day, they did announce that they re-signed right wing Tim Jackman to a two-year contract extension worth $1.225 million. The deal will average out to $612,500 per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 62 games so far this season, he has one goal and six assists for seven points and 77 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Flames, as Jackman brings a lot of toughness to the lineup. He has good size, loves to initiate contact, and plays a rugged game. Look for him to continue to play a checking line role over the next two seasons.

Canucks Acquire Andrew Gordon from Ducks

The Vancouver Canucks remained busy on Trade Deadline Day by acquiring right wing Andrew Gordon from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for minor league defenseman Sebastien Erixon. Both players have one more year left on their current contracts. In 37 games this season with the Ducks, Gordon has two goals and three assists for five points. He also appeared in 19 games with Syracuse of the AHL, scoring three goals and five assists for eight points. Erixon has played in 30 games with Chicago of the AHL, scoring one goal and seven assists for eight points. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as Gordon and Erixon likely won't have much of an impact with their new teams. Gordon will likely play a fourth line role in Vancouver, while Erixon will probably spend the rest of the season in the minors.

Sabres Acquire Cody Hodgson from Canucks for Zack Kassian

The Buffalo Sabres have acquired center Cody Hodgson and defenseman Alexander Sulzer from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for right wing Zack Kassian and defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani. In 63 games so far this season, Hodgson has 16 goals and 17 assists for 33 points, while Sulzer has one assist in 12 games. Kassian has three goals and four assists for seven points in 27 games with the Sabres. He also appeared in 30 games with Rochester of the AHL, scoring 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points. Gragnani has played in 44 games so far this season, scoring one goal and 11 assists for 12 points.

This is quite the unexpected trade for both teams, as neither Hodgson or Kassian had figured into any trade rumors as of late. Buffalo gets a highly skilled center in Hodgson, who could gain some consideration for the Calder Trophy as rookie-of-the-year. He has lots of goal-scoring upside, good playmaking skill, and some two-way ability. He should take on an immediate top-six role in Buffalo and will make the team's offense much stronger. As for Sulzer, he will likely play a sixth or seventh defensive role for the remainder of the season. In Kassian, the Canucks get a power forward who plays with a lot of aggression and has good size, lots of strength, and scoring upside. However, Vancouver gave up a highly skilled player in Hodgson to land Kassian, and if Kassian can't make a physical impact on the team, the Canucks will lose this trade hands down. As for Gragnani, he has some offensive upside and plenty of puck-moving skill, so he could be a good fit for Vancouver.

Maple Leafs Acquire Mark Fraser from Ducks for Dale Mitchell

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have acquired defenseman Mark Fraser from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for right wing Dale Mitchell. Both players will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer. Fraser was acquired by the Ducks from the New Jersey Devils this past December in the Kurtis Foster trade. He appeared in four games with the Devils, scoring no points. He also appeared in 25 games with Syracuse of the AHL, scoring five assists. Mitchell played in two games with Toronto of the AHL, scoring no points. He also appeared in 35 games with Reading of the ECHL, scoring 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth trade for both teams, as Fraser and Micthell will likely spend the remainder of the season in the minors. Although, the Maple Leafs added a similarly skilled player in Fraser after trading Keith Aulie earlier in the day, so he may have a future with the team. He has good size, some mobility, and still some defensive upside despite struggling at the NHL level in recent years, so the change of scenery may help him out.

NY Rangers Acquire John Scott from Blackhawks

The New York Rangers have announced that they have acquired defenseman John Scott from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. In 29 games so far this season, he has one assist and 48 penalty minutes. A depth move at best for the Rangers, Scott will add some grit, toughness, and great size to their defense. His playing time in Chicago was dwindling, so Chicago did him a favor by moving him to a team that will likely get more use out of him. Also, the Blackhawks did good in landing a fifth round pick for the rugged defenseman and impending free agent.

Bruins Acquire Greg Zanon from Wild

The Boston Bruins have announced that they have acquired defenseman Greg Zanon from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Steven Kampfer. Zanon will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, while Kampfer still has one more year left on his current contract. In 39 games so far this season, Zanon has two goals and four assists for six points. He missed 16 games with a groin injury. In 10 games with the Bruins this season, Kampfer has two assists. He also appeared in 12 games with Providence of the AHL, scoring one goal and four assists for five points. This is a decent move for the Bruins, as Zanon will add plenty of grit, experience, and shot-blocking prowess to the blueline. His shutdown skills should be a welcome addition to Boston's defense. As for the Wild, they have added a defenseman with some mobility and offensive upside in Kampfer, but he may not hit his full potential for a few years. With all the defensive changes in Minnesota over the past week or so, the team looks to be rejuvenating their blueline for the future. The Wild have also shed quite a bit of salary over the past week, so they could be making room to make some big splashes on the free agent market this summer, as it's believed they are interested in both Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, both of whom could command a premium on the open market.

Predators Acquire Paul Gaustad from Sabres

The Nashville Predators added more offensive depth to their roster on Monday by acquiring center Paul Gaustad and a fourth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for their first round pick in 2012. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 56 games so far this season, Gaustad has seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points and 70 penalty minutes. He missed six games this season with an upper body injury. With all of the trades the Predators have made over the past week and a half, they have made one thing absolutely clear: they are looking to go deep in the playoffs this year. Gaustad will add lots of grit, toughness, size, defensive skill, and versatility to the checking lines. Nashville did pay a premium to land him, perhaps a little too much for a player of his caliber, but his experience will be extremely valuable to the team in the playoffs. As for the Sabres, the first round pick will definitely help them retool their team with a future prospect.

Bruins Acquire Brian Rolston, Mike Mottau from NY Islanders

The Boston Bruins have announced that they have acquired left wing Brian Rolston and defenseman Mike Mottau from the New York Islanders in exchange for right wing Yannick Riendeau and defenseman Marc Cantin. Rolston and Mottau will both be unrestricted free agents this summer, while Riendeau will qualify for restricted free agency. Cantin still has two years left on his current deal. In 49 games so far this season, Rolston has four goals and five assists for nine points, while Mottau has two assists in 29 games. He missed 24 games this season due to a concussion. This will be Rolston's second stint with the Bruins, where he played from 2000 to 2004. Riendeau appeared in 18 games with Providence of the AHL, scoring three goals and three assists for six points. He also played in 30 games with Reading of the ECHL, scoring nine goals and 20 assists for 29 points. Cantin was held pointless in 19 games with Providence, but scored one goal and five assists for six points in 16 games with Reading. Both Riendeau and Cantin have yet to appear in an NHL game.

Not a bad depth move for the Bruins, as Rolston and Mottau will add plenty of veteran depth to their lineup. Both players could give the team a little bit of a boost as they head into the playoffs. As for the Islanders, they've added a couple of young players to replace some impending free agents who were likely not going to be re-signed in the off-season. While neither Riendeau or Cantin are stellar players, they could potentially see some NHL action in the future.

Blackhawks Acquire Johnny Oduya from Jets

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have acquired defenseman Johnny Oduya from the Winnipeg Jets for a second and a third round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. In 63 games so far this season, he has two goals and 11 assists for 13 points. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. The Blackhawks were desperate for some defensive depth and they got it in Oduya. He's a very mobile defenseman who can play a shutdown role and can add some grit to his game when needed. Chicago paid a steep price to land him, but they needed to add some defensive depth to their struggling blueline. As for the Jets, Oduya had pretty much been replaced when they plucked Grant Clitsome off waivers earlier in the day. While Clitsome isn't as good as Oduya, the acquisition of the draft picks made it a great move for Winnipeg.

Canucks Acquire Sami Pahlsson from Blue Jackets

The Vancouver Canucks have announced that they have acquired center Sami Pahlsson from the Columbus Blue Jackets for minor league defenseman Taylor Ellington and two fourth round picks in the 2012 Entry Draft. The draft picks that Columbus will receive are Vancouver's fourth round pick and the New York Islanders' fourth round selection, which the Canucks acquired in the Christian Ehrhoff trade this past summer. In 61 games so far this season, Pahlsson has two goals and nine assists for 11 points. Ellington has appeared in 55 games with Kalamazoo of the ECHL, scoring seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points. He was also held pointless in one game with Chicago of the AHL and has yet to appear in an NHL game.

Not a bad depth move for the Canucks, as Pahlsson will bring lots of two-way skill and veteran depth up the middle, particularly on their third and fourth lines. The acquisition ended up being the precursor to the Cody Hodgson trade, and Vancouver really took a downgrade at center on their checking lines. Pahlsson is not as fast as he used to be and the team will likely miss Hodgson's speed up the middle, but he should still be helpful to the Canucks as they inch closer to the playoffs. As for the Blue Jackets, they've been full-blown sellers for the past several weeks, so it comes as no surprise that they moved Pahlsson, an impending free agent. It remains to be seen if Ellington will figure into their rebuild efforts, but the draft picks are the key to this deal to help the Blue Jackets restock their team through the draft.

Lightning Acquire Brian Lee from Senators for Matt Gilroy

The Tampa Bay Lightning remained busy on Trade Deadline Day by acquiring defenseman Brian Lee from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for defenseman Matt Gilroy. Lee will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer, while Gilroy will qualify for unrestricted free agency. In 35 games so far this season, Lee has one goal and seven assists for eight points, while Gilroy has two goals and 15 assists for 17 points in 53 games. Not a bad pick-up for the Lightning, as Lee will bring a good mix of size, offensive upside, and excellent skating to the team. Tampa Bay is clearly looking to improve their blueline for next season and they did that on Trade Deadline Day. As for the Senators, Gilroy should help them in their playoff push with his smooth skating and mobility.

Sharks Acquire Winnik, Galiardi from Avalanche

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have acquired left wing Daniel Winnik, center T.J. Galiardi, and a seventh round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for left wing Jamie McGinn and centers Mike Connolly and Michael Sgarbossa. In 63 games so far this season, Winnik has five goals and 13 assists for 18 points, while Galiardi has eight goals and six assists for 14 points in 55 games. McGinn appeared in 61 games with the Sharks, scoring 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points. In 40 games with Worcester of the AHL, Connolly has 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points, while Sgarbossa has 41 goals and 43 assists for 84 points in 57 games with Sudbury of the OHL.

This is a solid trade for both teams, as Colorado and San Jose both addressed some of their needs on offense. The Sharks get an excellent penalty killer in Winnik, who also has good size and plays with some grit. Galiardi also brings some grit to the team, as well as lots of energy and speed. With the addition of Dominic Moore on February 16, the Sharks have filled out their bottom-six forward positions nicely and the versatility of all three players will help the team immensely. McGinn adds some solid two-way ability to Colorado's checking lines, as well as some versatility and a solid work ethic. The Avalanche get a lot of offensive upside in Connolly and Sgarbossa and both players should get a chance to develop into NHL-caliber players in the team's system.

Lightning Acquire Keith Aulie from Maple Leafs for Carter Ashton

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have acquired defenseman Keith Aulie from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for right wing Carter Ashton. Aulie is eligible for restricted free agency this summer, while Ashton still has two more years left on his entry-level deal. In 17 games this season with the Maple Leafs, Aulie had two assists. He also appeared in 23 games with Toronto of the AHL, scoring one assist. In 56 games with Norfolk of the AHL, Ashton has 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is clearly a trade for the future for both Toronto and Tampa Bay. Aulie will bring plenty of shutdown skills and physical play to the Lightning blueline. He should be an excellent addition to the team as they look to rebuild their defense. Ashton has great size, lots of offensive potential, and is versatile enough to play on both wings. He should be a decent top-six forward for the Maple Leafs down the road.

Wild Acquire Tom Gilbert from Oilers for Nick Schultz

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have acquired defenseman Tom Gilbert from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Nick Schultz. Both players still have two years remaining on their current contracts. In 47 games so far this season, Gilbert has three goals and 14 assists for 17 points, while Schultz has one goal and two assists for three points in 62 games. This is a solid move for both teams, as it addresses needs on both of their bluelines. After trading Marek Zidlicky to the New Jersey Devils, the Wild were in need of a puck-moving defenseman with offensive talent and they got that in Gilbert. The Oilers were in need of a solid, veteran, shutdown defenseman and they got that in Schultz. He should also bring some grit to Edmonton's defensive corps, as well as some skill on the penalty kill. In the end, it's a good, solid trade for both teams.

Lightning Acquire Mike Commodore from Red Wings

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have acquired defenseman Mike Commodore from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a conditional seventh round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. In 17 games so far this season, he has two assists. For the Red Wings, Commodore wasn't used very much throughout the season and were likely looking to dump a little bit of salary. It's quite possible this move could be the precursor to Detroit making another trade by the 3 PM deadline. As for Tampa Bay, Commodore will fill in a defensive role for the team for the remainder of the season and likely won't figure into their future plans. Bottom line, the Lightning are helping the Red Wings shed some salary.

Canadiens Claim Brad Staubitz Off Waivers from Wild

The Montreal Canadiens remained active on Trade Deadline Day by claiming right wing Brad Staubitz off re-entry waivers from the Minnesota Wild. Montreal will now only be responsible for half of his salary for the remainder of the season. Staubitz will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. In 43 games so far this season, he has been held pointless and has 73 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth move for the Canadiens, as Staubitz will bring a lot of grit and toughness to the checking lines.

Jets Claim Grant Clitsome Off Waivers from Blue Jackets

The Winnipeg Jets announced today that they have claimed defenseman Grant Clitsome off waivers from the Columbus Blue Jackets. In 51 games so far this season, he has four goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He still has one more year left on his current contract. Not a bad pick-up for the Jets, as Clitsome will bring some puck-moving and offensive skill to their blueline.

Nashville Predators Acquire Andrei Kostitsyn

The Nashville Predators have acquired left wing Andrei Kostitsyn from the Montreal Canadiens. In return, Montreal will receive a second round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft and receive back the conditional fifth round pick in 2013 that was sent to Nashville in the Hal Gill trade. Kostitsyn has 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points in 53 games so far this season. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Predators had been looking for some offensive skill for the playoffs and they got that in Kostitsyn. They are likely hoping he will find some chemistry with his brother Sergei, whom Nashville acquired in June 2010. However, Kostitsyn has been an inconsistent scorer throughout his career and it could be a risky move for the Predators, but perhaps the change of scenery can help him add some consistency to his game.

Senators Acquire Ben Bishop from Blues, Sign Him to One-Year Deal

The Ottawa Senators announced on Sunday that they have acquired goaltender Ben Bishop from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a second round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. Part of the trade also includes Ottawa signing Bishop to a new contract. The 25-year-old goaltender, who would have been eligible for group six unrestricted free agency this summer, will sign a one-year contract worth $650,000 on Monday. In 38 games this season with Peoria of the AHL, he has posted a 24-14-0 record, six shutouts, a 2.26 GAA, and a .928 save percentage. He last appeared in an NHL game during the 2010-11 season with the Blues. With Craig Anderson currently sidelined with a lacerated pinky finger, the Senators obviously felt they needed to add some quality goaltending depth and they got that in Bishop. Prospect Robin Lehner is not quite ready to take on starting duties, let alone for the playoffs, and Alex Auld may have a rough time handling several starts in a row, so Bishop is a great choice to help out in net. He has great size and is very agile, making him a good option in goal. Look for him to challenge hard for the backup role in Ottawa next season. As for the Blues, Bishop wasn't going to get very many starts with Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak as their goaltending tandem, so moving him to another team is a great move to give him an opportunity to secure a regular NHL role elsewhere.

Panthers Acquire Wojtek Wolski from NY Rangers

The Florida Panthers announced on Saturday that they have acquired center Wojtek Wolski from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Michael Vernace and a third round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. Wolski will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, while Vernace will be eligible for group six unrestricted free agency. In nine games this season with the Rangers, Wolski had three assists. He also appeared in six games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring three goals and two assists for five points. He missed 31 games earlier this season with a groin injury. Vernace has appeared in 44 games with Norfolk and San Antonio of the AHL, scoring two goals and 14 assists for 16 points. He last played in an NHL game during the 2010-11 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Panthers have added some offensive depth in Wolski, but he has always been an enigmatic scorer at the NHL level. Perhaps the change of scenery can help him get his offensive game back on track. If he can improve his game, then he could be a decent top-six forward for the Panthers. As for the Rangers, Wolski was hardly being used by the team, so the move comes as no surprise. By the looks of it, the team could be moving some salary to make way for a larger trade, so keep an eye on the Rangers over the next two days as the Trade Deadline approaches. As for Vernace, he will likely spend the remainder of the season in the minors.

Blue Jackets Claim Darryl Boyce Off Waivers from Maple Leafs

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Saturday that they have claimed center Darryl Boyce off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 17 games with the Maple Leafs, he had one goal and one assist. He also appeared in 22 games with Toronto of the AHL, scoring four goals and six assists for 10 points. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. With Jeff Carter and Antoine Vermette now playing elsewhere, the Blue Jackets were in need of depth at center and they got that in Boyce. He's a hard worker on the ice, plays with a little grit, and has some defensive skill. However, Boyce won't replace the offensive output of either Carter or Vermette and will likely play a bottom-six role for the remainder of the season.

Oilers Sign Ales Hemsky to Two-Year Extension

The Edmonton Oilers announced on Friday that they have re-signed right wing Ales Hemsky to a two-year contract extension worth $10 million. The deal will pay him $5 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer and had been the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks. In 47 games so far this season, he has five goals and 21 assists for 26 points. He missed 11 games earlier in the season with a right shoulder injury. An interesting move by the Oilers, as it was expected Hemsky would probably be dealt by the February 27 Trade Deadline, so this should put an end all of his trade rumors for the time being. However, he brings outstanding offensive and playmaking skill to the team despite being an injury-prone player. The Oilers were wise to re-sign him to a short-term contract, as rising stars Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will eligible for restricted free agency over the next couple of years and will likely earn long-term contract extensions.

Devils Acquire Marek Zidlicky from Wild in Multi-Player Deal

The New Jersey Devils added some veteran depth to their blueline on Friday night by acquiring defenseman Marek Zidlicky from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Kurtis Foster, right wing Nick Palmieri, left wing Stephane Veilleux, a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft, and a conditional draft pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. The second round pick was originally acquired by the Devils from the Washington Capitals last season in the Jason Arnott trade. The details of the conditional pick have yet to be released. Relations between Zidlicky and the Wild soured in recent days when it became known that he was not getting along with Head Coach Mike Yeo. In 41 games so far this season, Zidlicky has 14 assists. He missed 13 games this past November and December with a concussion. Foster, who was acquired by the Devils from the Anaheim Ducks this past December, has four goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He is currently day-to-day with a back injury. Palmieri has appeared in 29 games so far this season, scoring four goals and three assists for seven points. He has also played in 25 games with Albany of the AHL, scoring five goals and six assists for 11 points. Veilleux has gone scoreless in only one NHL game so far this season. He also appeared in 40 games with Albany, scoring 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. Both Foster and Veilleux are beginning their second stints with the Wild.

This is quite the trade for the Devils, as they gave up quite a bit to land Zidlicky, who still has one more year left on his current contract. However, the Devils had been seeking some veteran depth and offensive skill on the blueline and they got that in Zidlicky. He also has a good shot and is excellent on the power play. Despite his struggles this season in Minnesota, he should be a good fit in New Jersey, where the change of scenery will hopefully help him improve his game. As for the Wild, they definitely added quite a bit of depth in this deal. Foster will bring lots of size and offensive skill to their blueline, while Palmieri gives them a young forward with some offensive upside, good size, and a little bit of gritty play. Veilleux could see some time on their checking lines late in the season, but for now he will likely remain in the minors. Both Foster and Veilleux will be unrestricted free agents this summer, so it remains to be seen if the Wild will keep them beyond this season. More than likely, their play throughout the rest of the season will dictate whether or not they get a contract offer from Minnesota this summer.

Kings Sign Willie Mitchell to Two-Year Extension

Just one day after trading defenseman Jack Johnson to the Columbus Blue Jackets for center Jeff Carter, the Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Willie Mitchell to a two-year contract worth $7 million. The deal will pay him $3.5 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 55 games so far this season, he has three goals and nine assists for 12 points and 32 penalty minutes. Definitely a good move for the Kings, as Mitchell is a solid shutdown defenseman. He has good size, plays with lots of grit, and has plenty of leadership skills. He should continue to be an excellent fit on the Kings' blueline for the next two seasons.

Panthers Acquire Jerred Smithson from Predators

The Florida Panthers announced on Monday that they have acquired center Jerred Smithson from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a sixth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. He still has one more year remaining on his current contract. In 53 games so far this season, he has one goal and four assists for five points. Not a bad pick-up for the Panthers, as Smithson will bring plenty of defensive skill and grit to the forward lines. He's also a hard working forward on the ice and is versatile enough to play on the wing, so he should be a good addition to Florida's checking lines. Predators fans will likely be disappointed to see Smithson go, as he was a mainstay on their checking lines since the 2005-06 season. One has to wonder, though, if the Predators made this move to clear a little bit of space to make another trade over the next couple of days.

Blackhawks Sign Goaltender Carter Hutton to One-Year Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Friday that they have signed goaltender Carter Hutton to a one-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He played last season with San Jose's AHL affiliate in Worcester and actually backed up Antti Niemi for about a month when Antero Niittymaki was out of action, but never appeared in an NHL game. Hutton has a 10-8-2 record this season with Rockford of the AHL, posting a 2.93 GAA and a .902 save percentage. This is nothing more than a depth signing for the Blackhawks, as Hutton will likely spend the remainder of the season in the minors.

Kings Acquire Jeff Carter from Blue Jackets for Jack Johnson

The Los Angeles Kings pulled off a blockbuster trade on Thursday night by acquiring center Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and their first round pick in either 2012 or 2013. If Los Angeles misses the playoffs this year, then Columbus will get their first round pick in 2013. If the Kings make the playoffs this season, then the Blue Jackets can choose either the 2012 or 2013 pick. Carter is under contract through the 2021-22 season and comes with an annual salary cap hit of $5.272 million, while Johnson's contract averages $4.357 million per season and expires after the 2017-18 season. In 39 games this season with the Blue Jackets, Carter has 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points. He missed 20 games this season with a fractured foot and separated shoulder. In 61 games with the Kings, Johnson has eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points. The Kings had been in the market for a scoring forward and they got that in Carter. He has lots of offensive and goal-scoring skill, as well as decent size and a good shot. Look for Carter to be reunited with former teammate Mike Richards, who was traded to Los Angeles by Philadelphia this past summer. The Blue Jackets have added a quality defenseman in Johnson who will bring lots of mobility, offensive upside, and toughness to their blueline. Look for the Blue Jackets to continue to move assets for their rebuild as the February 27 Trade Deadline approaches.

Red Wings Sign Todd Bertuzzi to Two-Year Extension

The Detroit Red Wings announced on Thursday that they have re-signed right wing Todd Bertuzzi to a two-year contract extension worth $4.15 million. The deal will pay him $1.975 million in 2012-13 and $2.175 million in 2013-14. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 54 games so far this season, he has 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points and 54 penalty minutes. Not a bad move for the Red Wings, as Bertuzzi has revitalized his career since signing in Detroit. He still has some offensive ability, plenty of mobility, good size, plays with lots of grit, and is excellent in the shootout. Despite slowing offensively over the past few years, he should still be an excellent fit for Detroit over the next two seasons.

Lightning Claim Tim Wallace Off Waivers from NY Islanders

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have claimed right wing Tim Wallace off waivers from the New York Islanders. In 31 games this season with the Islanders, he had one assist. He also appeared in 24 games with Bridgeport of the AHL, scoring nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points. This is really just a depth move for the Lightning, as Wallace could likely spend a good chunk of the rest of the season in the minors. However, with the Lightning trading off assets as the February 27 Trade Deadline approaches, he could see some time in the NHL if more players are traded.

Hurricanes Sign Tuomo Ruutu to Four-Year Extension

The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Wednesday that they have signed center Tuomo Ruutu to a four-year contract extension worth $19 million. The deal will average out to $4.75 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer and had been the subject of trade rumors leading up to the February 27 Trade Deadline. In 57 games so far this season, he has 17 goals and 13 assists for 30 points. A wise decision by the Hurricanes to retain Ruutu, as he brings some offensive depth and grit to the forward lines. However, his salary is a bit much for a player of his caliber and injury history, so the team overpaid a bit to retain his services.

Coyotes Acquire Antoine Vermette from Blue Jackets

The Phoenix Coyotes added some offensive depth on Wednesday by acquiring center Antoine Vermette from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for goaltender Curtis McElhinney, a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft, and a fifth round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. The fifth round pick can be bumped up to a fourth round pick if the Coyotes win a playoff series this year, while the second round pick originally belonged to the Ottawa Senators and was acquired in the Kyle Turris trade this past December. In 60 games this season with the Blue Jackets, Vermette had eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points. In two games with the Coyotes, McElhinney posted one win, a 1.67 GAA, and a .944 save percentage. He has also appeared in 25 games with Portland of the AHL, posting a 10-13-0 record, with a 3.07 GAA, and a .907 save percentage. A decent trade for the Coyotes, as Vermette will add a lot of two-way and offensive skill to their forward lines. He's also good on faceoffs and has lots of versatility, so he should be an excellent fit for the Coyotes. As for the Blue Jackets, they are now in rebuild mode and will likely be selling off more players in the future. McElhinney adds some experience in goal, but will not be a long-term solution, as he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The key for the Blue Jackets in this trade are the draft picks, which they will use to restock their team in what is expected to be a major rebuild.

Lightning Acquire Brandon Segal from Blackhawks

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Tuesday that they have acquired right wing Brandon Segal from the Chicago Blackhawks for future considerations. Those future considerations were later revealed to be AHL center Matt Fornataro. In 53 games this season with Rockford of the AHL, Segal has 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points and 63 penalty minutes. He last appeared in the NHL during the 2010-11 season with the Dallas Stars. Fornataro, who is currently on an AHL contract, has five goals and 20 assists for 25 points in 46 games with Norfolk of the AHL. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. After trading Steve Downie to the Colorado Avalanche earlier in the day, the Lightning were lacking some grit on the wing and they have added that in Segal. If he doesn't see any time with the Lightning, he will be a solid addition to their AHL affiliate in Norfolk. As for the Blackhawks, Fornataro will remain in Rockford for the remainder of the season.

Avalanche Acquire Downie, Red Wings Quincey in Three-Team Trade

The Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Detroit Red Wings participated in a three-team swap on Tuesday, which saw right wing Steve Downie head to the Avalanche and defenseman Kyle Quincey join the Red Wings. The Avalanche acquired Downie from the Lightning in exchange for Quincey and the Lightning then flipped Quincey to the Red Wings for minor league defenseman Sebastien Piche and Detroit's first round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. All three players will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer. In 56 games so far this season, Downie has 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points and 123 penalty minutes, while Quincey has five goals and 18 assists for 23 points and 60 penalty minutes in 54 games. In 22 games with Grand Rapids of the AHL, Piche has three assists. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. The Avalanche needed a lot more grit up front and Downie will bring that to the team. He also brings some offensive ability to the team and is one of the top agitators in the league, so Western Conference teams will have to deal with his grating style of play for the rest of the season and likely beyond. With the emergence of Tyson Barrie and Stefan Elliott, Quincey became expendable on the blueline. For the Red Wings, they get a player who is familiar with the team's system in Quincey. He will bring some offensive ability and plenty of grit to the blueline as a third pairing defenseman. The Red Wings also look to the future a little bit in this deal, as Quincey could be a potential replacement for Brad Stuart, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Lightning are clearly selling off assets and stockpiling draft picks at this point to retool their team. They get a marginal defensive prospect in Piche, who may or may not figure in to their long term plans. The first round draft pick is the key of this deal for the Lightning, even though it is all but certain to be one of the last ones in that round.

Wild Re-Sign Kyle Brodziak to Three-Year Contract

The Minnesota Wild announced on Sunday that they have re-signed center Kyle Brodziak to a three-year contract extension worth $8.5 million. The deal will pay him $2.5 million next season, and $3 million in both 2013-14 and 2014-15. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 59 games so far this season, he has 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points. Not a bad signing for the Wild, as Brodziak has become an effective checking line center for the team. He works hard on the ice, possesses some two-way ability, and is versatile enough to play on the wing. It was believed Brodziak was on the trading block with the February 27 Trade Deadline approaching, so his re-signing should put an end to that speculation.

Penguins Sign James Neal to Six-Year Extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins locked up an important part of their future on Sunday by signing right wing James Neal to a six-year contract extension worth $30 million. The deal averages out to $5 million per season. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency in the off-season. In 59 games so far this season, he has 30 goals and 27 assists for 57 points and 66 penalty minutes. This is an excellent move for the Penguins, as Neal has become one the team's top forwards since his acquisition from the Dallas Stars last season. He has excellent goal scoring skill, a great shot, plenty of offensive talent, good size, and plays with a little grit. With his best years still ahead of him, look for Neal to greatly improve his offensive game over the next few seasons, especially if playing on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby.

Flyers Acquire Pavel Kubina from Lightning

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have acquired defenseman Pavel Kubina from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for left wing Jonathon Kalinski, a conditional second round pick in either 2012 or 2013, and Philadelphia's fourth round pick in 2013. The Flyers originally acquired the second round pick from the Florida Panthers in the Kris Versteeg trade this past off-season. Kubina, who is eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, has three goals and eight assists for 11 points and 59 penalty minutes in 52 games with the Lightning. Kalinski has appeared in 40 games with Adirondack of the AHL, scoring nine goals and three assists for 12 points. He last appeared in the NHL during the 2009-10 season with Philadelphia. After acquiring Nicklas Grossman from the Dallas Stars just two days prior, it was believed the Flyers would look to add more depth to their blueline and they did just that in landing Kubina. While his offensive game is on the decline, he will add plenty of veteran depth and toughness to the lineup. He is also capable of logging lots of minutes and has a good shot, so he should be a solid addition for the Flyers. As for the Lightning, it has been a disappointing 2011-12 campaign for them, so they are in the process of moving out impending free agents for assets. Kalinski could see some time on the team's checking lines throughout the remainder of the season, but it remains to be seen if he will fit into their future plans, as he's eligible for group six unrestricted free agency this summer. The biggest part of this deal for the Lightning are the draft picks, which they will use to restock their team with young talent.

Predators Acquire Hall Gill from Canadiens for Geoffrion, Slaney

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have acquired defenseman Hal Gill and a conditional fifth round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for center Blake Geoffrion, left wing Robert Slaney, and Nashville's second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The fifth round pick will go to the Predators if Geoffrion appears in at least 40 NHL games next season, which could be likely. Gill, who will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, has one goal and seven assists for eight points and 29 penalty minutes in 53 games with the Canadiens. Geoffrion appeared in 22 games with the Predators, recording three assists. He also played in 20 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring two goals and seven assists for nine points. Slaney appeared in nine games with Milwaukee, scoring one assist. He also played in 31 games with Cincinnati of the ECHL, scoring 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Geoffrion and Slaney will both be eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. Gill really solidifies Nashville's blueline with his huge frame, shutdown skills, gritty performance, and skill on the penalty kill. However, the cost to land him was pretty steep, especially for a player who could potentially depart via free agency this summer. However, his presence on the blueline will be extremely valuable as Nashville inches closer to the playoffs. The assets the Canadiens landed in the move will definitely help in their rebuilding efforts. Geoffrion, the grandson of Canadiens' hall-of-famer Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion, is a hard worker on the ice with lots of versatility and upside who could see a full time spot on Montreal's roster next season. Slaney will likely remain in the minors for the remainder of the season. It still remains to be seen how he may fit into Montreal's future plans, so it will likely be known this summer if he receives a qualifying offer from the team or not.

Sharks Acquire Dominic Moore from Lightning

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have acquired center Dominic Moore and a seventh round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The second round pick was obtained by the Sharks from the Minnesota Wild in the multi-player deal that involved Devin Setoguchi and Brent Burns this past off-season. Moore, who will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, has four goals and 16 assists for 20 points in 58 games so far this season. Not a bad pick-up for the Sharks, as Moore will provide some stability at center on the checking lines. He's excellent on faceoffs, has plenty of skill on the penalty kill, and plays with some grit. He should be a solid addition for the team as they inch closer to the playoffs.

Flyers Acquire Nicklas Grossman from Stars

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have acquired defenseman Nicklas Grossman from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft and a third round pick in the 2013 draft. The second round pick is the one the Flyers got from the Los Angeles Kings in the Mike Richards trade and the third round pick was originally obtained in the Darroll Powe trade with the Minnesota Wild. Grossman, who will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, has five assists in 53 NHL games this season. Not a bad move for the Flyers, as Grossman will add some much needed veteran depth to the blueline, something the team has been seeking since Chris Pronger was lost for the rest of the season with concussion-like symptoms and a knee injury. Grossman will also add some skill to the penalty kill as a shutdown defender.

Oilers Acquire Bryan Rodney from Ducks for Ryan O'Marra

The Edmonton Oilers have announced that they have acquired defenseman Bryan Rodney from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for center Ryan O'Marra. In 41 games with Syracuse of the AHL, Rodney had five goals and 15 assists for 20 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game this season. O'Marra appeared in seven games with the Ducks, recording one assist. He also played in 40 games with Oklahoma City of the AHL, scoring eight goals and nine assists for 17 points. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as both players will more than likely finish the season in the minors.

Panthers Sign Tyson Strachan to One-Year Extension

The Florida Panthers have announced that they have signed defenseman Tyson Strachan to a one-year contract extension worth $600,000. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 11 games so far this season with the Panthers, he has one goal and two assists for three points. He has also appeared in 32 games with San Antonio of the AHL, scoring three goals and nine assists for 12 points. Since being recalled from the minors, Strachan has been a steady blueliner on the team, so a one-year extension is a good move for the Panthers. He will likely continue to play a depth role on defense next season in the event there injuries on Florida's blueline.

Bruins Sign Johnny Boychuk to Three-Year Extension

The Boston Bruins announced today that they have signed defenseman Johnny Boychuk to a three-year contract extension worth $10.08 million. The deal will have an average annual salary cap hit of $3.36 million. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 52 games so far this season, he has three goals and seven assists for 10 points. Not a bad signing for the Bruins, as Boychuk has become a solid defenseman for the team. He has a good shot, plays a physical game, throws lots of hits, and works hard on the ice. He should continue to be a great fit for the team over the next three seasons.

Jets Acquire Maxime Macenauer from Ducks for Riley Holzapfel

The Winnipeg Jets announced on Monday that they have acquired center Maxime Macenauer from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for center Riley Holzapfel. In 29 games with the Ducks, Macenauer had one goal and three assists for four points. He also appeared in 13 games with Syracuse of the AHL, scoring four goals and two assists for six points. In 29 games this season with St. John's of the AHL, Holzapfel has eight goals and seven assists for 15 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as both players will likely spend most of the rest of the season in the minors. However, Macenauer could potentially see some time with the Jets on their fourth line late in the season if injuries mount. He possesses plenty of speed and some offensive ability, so he's not a bad acquisition for the team. As for the Ducks, Holzapfel will bring some two-way ability to their system and should be a solid addition to their AHL affiliate in Syracuse.

Oilers Re-Sign Andy Sutton to One-Year Deal

The Edmonton Oilers announced on Monday that they have re-signed defenseman Andy Sutton to a one-year contract. The contract is believed to be worth $1.5 million. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer and there had been plenty of speculation over the last few weeks that he could have been traded by the February 27 Trade Deadline. In 33 games so far this season, he has three goals and six assists for nine points and 56 penalty minutes. He missed seven games this past November with a groin injury. He has also missed a combined total of 13 games this season as a result of two separate suspensions. Not a bad depth signing for the Oilers, as Sutton brings lots of size and toughness to the team's blueline. Look for him to play a fifth or sixth role on defense next season and will also likely serve as a protector to the young, rising Oilers' prospects.

Blue Jackets Sign Vaclav Prospal to One-Year Extension

The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that they have signed left wing Vaclav Prospal to a one-year contract extension worth $2.5 million. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 56 games so far this season, he has 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points. With a massive rebuilding of the Blue Jackets expected to take place this summer, it was believed that Prospal would likely get traded by the February 27 Trade Deadline, but his re-signing should completely kill all of those rumors. This is an excellent move for the team, as Prospal will bring plenty of offensive depth to the forward lines. His veteran presence will be very welcome to the team next season and he will likely serve as a mentor to the younger players.

Flames Re-Sign Derek Smith to Two-Year Contract

The Calgary Flames have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Derek Smith to a two-year contract worth $1.55 million. The deal will average out to $775,000 per season. The 27-year-old blueliner, who has been sidelined with a high ankle sprain since the end of December, would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 32 games so far this season, he has two goals and eight assists for 10 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Flames, as Smith was having a fine season with the team before sustaining the ankle sprain. He has some offensive ability and could likely play a fifth or sixth defensive role with Calgary over the next two seasons.

NY Islanders Sign Frans Nielsen to Four-Year Extension

The New York Islanders have announced that they have signed center Frans Nielsen to a four-year contract extension worth $11 million. The deal averages out to $2.75 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 55 games so far this season, he has 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points. This is a good signing for the Islanders, as Nielsen brings plenty of two-way skill to the forward lines. He is also excellent on the power play and penalty kill, making him a very effective and important special teams player for the Islanders.

Wild Sign Defenseman Nate Prosser to Two-Year Extension

The Minnesota Wild announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Nate Prosser to a two-year contract extension worth $1.65 million. The deal will pay him $800,000 in 2012-13 and $850,000 in 2013-14. The deal is also one-way, so he will make the same amount of money whether he's playing in the NHL or AHL. In 23 games so far this season with the Wild, he has six assists. He has also appeared in 19 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring four assists. Not a bad depth signing for the Wild, as Prosser does have some offensive upside and good size. For the remainder of the season, look for him to play a role on the team's third defensive pairing.

Penguins Re-Sign Joe Vitale to Two-Year Deal

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that they have re-signed center Joe Vitale to a two-year contract extension worth $1.1 million. The deal will average out to $550,000 per season. In 46 games so far this season, he has three goals and seven assists for 10 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Penguins, as Vitale is a hard-working forward on the ice who plays with lots of energy. He has played well this season on the team's checking lines and will likely continue his fine play over the next two years.

Wild Acquire Erik Christensen from Rangers for Casey Wellman

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have acquired center Erik Christensen and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft from the New York Rangers in exchange for right wing Casey Wellman. The draft pick will likely depend on whether or not Christensen re-signs with Minnesota over the summer. In 20 games this season with the Rangers, he had one goal and four assists for five points. He also appeared in five games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring two goals and one assist for three points. In 14 games this season with the Wild, Wellman had two goals and five assists for seven points. He also appeared in 26 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points. Christensen wasn't getting very much ice time with the Rangers, so his trade comes as no surprise. He has dealt with inconsistency throughout his NHL career, but he still brings some offensive depth to the Wild. He is excellent on the faceoff and is also good in the shootout. Look for him to play a role on Minnesota's checking lines. Wellman has some offensive upside and lots of speed, but hasn't been able to earn a full-time role in the NHL thus far. The change of scenery may help him earn that NHL roster spot, but for now he will remain in the minors.

Avalanche Acquire Danny Richmond from Capitals

The Colorado Avalanche have announced that they have acquired defenseman Danny Richmond from the Washington Capitals in exchange for center Mike Carman. In 24 games this season with Hershey of the AHL, Richmond has four assists. He last played in the NHL during the 2007-08 season with the Chicago Blackhawks. In 28 games with Lake Erie of the AHL, Carman has three goals and three assists for six points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is nothing more than a depth move for both teams' AHL affiliates, as Richmond and Carman will likely spend the remainder of the season in the minors.

Capitals Acquire Kevin Marshall from Flyers

The Washington Capitals have announced that they have acquired defenseman Kevin Marshall from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for right wing Matt Ford. In 10 games this season with the Flyers, Marshall had no points. He also appeared in 32 games with Adirondack of the AHL, scoring two goals and three assists for five points and 55 penalty minutes. In 39 games with Hershey of the AHL, Ford has 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. For the Capitals, they get a physical defensive prospect in Marshall who has good size and is willing to drop the gloves and fight. More than likely he will spend most of the rest of this season in the minors. As for the Flyers, they add some forward depth to their AHL affiliate in Adirondack in Ford, who will likely play the remainder of the 2011-12 season there.

Flames Sign Krys Kolanos to Two-Year Deal

The Calgary Flames announced on Wednesday that they have signed center Krys Kolanos to a two-year, two-way contract and recalled him from their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 34 games with Abbotsford, he has 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 points. He last appeared in the NHL during the 2008-09 season with the Minnesota Wild, scoring three goals and three assists for six points in 21 games. Kolanos has had an excellent season thus far with Abbotsford and the Flames have rewarded him with an NHL contract for his fine play. Kolanos has always been an excellent player at the AHL level, but has never been able to bring that success to the NHL. At best, he will likely play a role on Calgary's fourth line. Here's hoping he will bring some of his recent scoring touch from the AHL to the NHL.

Penguins Claim Cal O'Reilly Off Waivers from Coyotes

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Wednesday that they have claimed center Cal O'Reilly off re-entry waivers from the Phoenix Coyotes. He was acquired by Phoenix on October 28 from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. In 27 games this season with the Predators and Coyotes, he has two goals and four assists for six points. He also appeared in five games with Portland of the AHL, scoring one goal and one assist. Not a bad pick-up for the Penguins, as O'Reilly has some playmaking skill and offensive ability. He will provide some much needed depth at center with Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal both on injured reserve. Look for O'Reilly to play on either the third or fourth line.