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 Coburn, Add O'Donnell and Shelley

The Philadelphia Flyers were busy during the first day of free agency on Thursday by re-signing defenseman Braydon Coburn to a two-year contract worth $6.4 million, defenseman Sean O'Donnell to a one-year, $1 million contract, and left wing Jody Shelley to a three year contract. Coburn's deal averages out to $3.2 million per season, while the financial terms of Shelley's contract were not disclosed. In 81 games last season with the Flyers, Coburn had five goals and 14 assists for 19 points and 54 penalty minutes. O'Donnell appeared in 78 games with the Los Angeles Kings last season, scoring three goals and 12 assists for 15 points and 70 penalty minutes. Shelley played in 57 games with the San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers, scoring two goals and seven assists for nine points and 115 penalty minutes. These aren't bad signings for the Flyers, as they have made them a much more physical hockey team. Coburn plays with lots of toughness and has decent offensive potential. O'Donnell brings leadership, grit, and defensive depth to the club, while Shelley provides the team with another enforcer who loves to fight and hit. With all the physical players now signed in Philadelphia for next season, it wouldn't surprise me if the team leads the league in penalty minutes in 2010-11.

Kings Re-Sign Ersberg & O'Donnell

In two moves that went under the radar on deadline day, the Los Angeles Kings re-signed goaltender Erik Ersberg to two-year contract and defenseman Sean O'Donnell to a one-year contract. Terms of their contracts were not disclosed. Both players would have been unrestricted free agents on July 1. O'Donnell was acquired by the Kings from the Anaheim Ducks prior to the season for a conditional draft pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. This is his second stint with the Kings. In 24 games so far this season, Ersberg has a record of 8-9-4 with a GAA of 2.49 and a .901 save percentage. This is his second season in the NHL. In 63 games this season, O'Donnell has 10 assists and 56 penalty minutes. Both signings are good depth moves for the Kings. Ersberg has had good stats this season despite his record and has helped keep the Kings in the playoff chase, while O'Donnell brings the Kings lots of toughness and veteran depth on their young blueline.

Ducks Trade O'Donnell to Kings

The Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday traded veteran defenseman Sean O'Donnell to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. The trade marks O'Donnell's second stint with the Kings. The trade also comes days after the Ducks traded Mathieu Schneider to the Thrashers for Ken Klee, Brad Larsen, and Chad Painchaud and signed Teemu Selanne to a two-year contract. By trading O'Donnell, the Ducks have freed up $1.25 million in salary and have dropped below the salary cap once again. It had been rumored in recent days that Bobby Ryan was on the trade block in order for the Ducks to drop below the salary cap. In all 82 games last season, O'Donnell scored two goals and added seven assists for nine points and 84 penalty minutes with the Ducks. In 932 games over 13 NHL seasons, O'Donnell has 27 goals and 150 assists for 177 points and 1,558 penalty minutes with the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes, and Anaheim Ducks. In O'Donnell, the Kings get the defensive defenseman they had been seeking, as well as plenty of toughness and rugged play.