Blues Add Scott Nichol and Brett Sterling

The St. Louis Blues have announced that they have signed center Scott Nichol to a one-year contract and left wing Brett Sterling to a one-year, two-way contract. Both deals are worth $600,000. In 56 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, Nichol had four goals and three assists for seven points and 50 penalty minutes. Sterling appeared in seven games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring three goals and two assists for five points. He also played in 65 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, scoring 27 goals and 26 assists for 53 points and 88 penalty minutes. Nichol isn't a bad depth signing for the Blues, as he is a very competitive player on the ice who plays with lots of grit and toughness. He should be a good addition to their checking lines next season. Sterling brings some offensive potential to the Blues, but most of his offensive success has come at the minor-league level. He will likely have to fight for a roster spot at training camp in September.

Penguins Sign Sterling to One-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Saturday that they have signed left wing Brett Sterling to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 55 games last season with Chicago of the AHL, he had 34 goals and 22 assists for 56 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Penguins, as Sterling has decent offensive potential and has a good shot. However, nearly all of his offensive success has come at the minor league level and hasn't had much success at the NHL level. If he can prove himself at training camp in the fall, he could possibly get a roster spot on the fourth line for the 2010-11 season.

Thrashers Deal Sterling, Vernace to Sharks

The Atlanta Thrashers have announced that they have traded left wing Breet Sterling, defenseman Michael Vernace, and a seventh round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for future considerations. This trade was facilitated in order for the Thrashers to get under 50 NHL contracts in order to complete the Dustin Byfuglien trade with Chicago. Sterling is eligible for unrestricted free agency and Vernace for restricted free agency on July 1. Not much to say about this trade other than it was done to help the Thrashers complete their trade with the Blackhawks. It remains to be seen if the Sharks will give Vernace a qualifying offer or attempt to sign Sterling.