Blackhawks Sign Jamal Mayers, Sean O'Donnell, Andre Brunette, Daniel Carcillo

The Chicago Blackhawks added a slew of new players on the first day of free agency by signing right wing Jamal Mayers, defenseman Sean O'Donnell, left wing Andrew Brunette, and left wing Daniel Carcillo to one-year contracts. Mayers' deal will pay him $550,000, O'Donnell will get $850,000, Brunette will be paid $2 million, and Carcillo will make $775,000. In 78 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, Mayers had three goals and 11 assists for 14 points and 124 penalty minutes, while Brunette had 18 goals and 28 assists for 46 points in all 82 games with the Minnesota Wild. O'Donnell appeared in 81 games with the Philadelphia Flyers, scoring one goal and 17 assists for 18 points and 87 penalty minutes, while Carcillo had four goals and two assists for six points and 127 penalty minutes in 57 games with the Flyers. These are decent depth signings for the Blackhawks, as they have become a much more physical team with these players. Mayers and Carcillo bring lots of grit and toughness to the checking lines, while O'Donnell provides lots of veteran depth and toughness to their blueline. Brunette brings plenty of playmaking skill and offensive depth to the wing, as well as a little leadership. All four players should be decent additions to the team next season.

Flyers Re-Sign Daniel Carcillo to One-Year Deal

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have avoided arbitration with left wing Daniel Carcillo and signed him to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 76 games last season with the Flyers, he had 12 goals and 10 assists for 22 points and 207 penalty minutes. This is a great signing for the Flyers, as Carcillo is one of the top agitators in the league. He plays with lots of grit and toughness, is a great hitter, drives the opposition crazy, and has some two-way abilities. His major downside is that he draws way too many bad penalties with his side-show antics and often times throws some very questionable hits. If Carcillo could cut down on some of the antics, he probably could better his offensive game, but his physical play makes him one of the top enforcers in the game.

Flyers Acquire Carcillo from Coyotes for Upshall

The Philadelphia Flyers added some toughness to their team on Wednesday by acquiring left wing Daniel Carcillo from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for left wing Scottie Upshall and a second round draft pick. Upshall was rumored to be on the move by the trade deadline in an attempt to free up salary cap space for a larger move. In 54 games so far this season, Carcillo has three goals and seven assists for 10 points and 174 penalty minutes. Upshall has seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points in 55 games. Carcillo brings lots of toughness to the Flyers' lineup and should be a character player for them. Upshall gives the Coyotes a gritty winger with plenty of offensive depth.