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.

Devils Sign Steve Bernier to One-Year Contract

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have signed right wing Steve Bernier to a one-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He attended the team's training camp this past September on a tryout basis and has been playing with their AHL affiliate in Albany since the start of the 2011-12 season. In 17 games with Albany, he has three goals and three assists for six points. This is a depth signing at best for the Devils, as Bernier has struggled to find offensive consistency for the past couple of seasons. However, he has good size and can play a role as a penalty killer. He was recalled from the minors after the signing, so look for Bernier to play on New Jersey's fourth line.

Capitals Sign Joel Rechlicz to One-Year Contract

The Washington Capitals have announced that they have signed right wing Joel Rechlicz to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He attended Washington's training camp this past September on a tryout basis. He last played in the NHL with the New York Islanders during the 2009-10 season. In 27 games this season with Hershey of the AHL, he has one goal and one assist for two points and 184 penalty minutes. This is just a depth signing for the Capitals to add some toughness to their lineup, as Rechlicz plays a very physical game but has no offensive upside whatsoever. Look for him to play on the fourth line if he sees any time with the Capitals.

Flames Acquire Akim Aliu from Jets for John Negrin

The Calgary Flames announced on Monday that they have acquired right wing Akim Aliu from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for defenseman John Negrin. In 13 games this season with Abbotsford of the AHL, Aliu has four goals and one assist for five points. He also appeared in 10 games with Colorado of the ECHL, scoring two goals and four assists for six points. Negrin has one assist in 26 games with Abbotsford. He has also appeared in nine games with Utah of the ECHL, scoring one goal and five assists for six points. Both players have yet to appear in an NHL game and will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer. In Aliu, the Flames add a talented forward with plenty of size and some offensive upside despite struggling offensively in the minors. For now, he will bolster Calgary's minor league affiliate in Abbotsford. In Negrin, the Jets get a defenseman with plenty of size and a little offensive ability. He has battled some knee injuries throughout his hockey career, but should be a steady blueliner for the team's AHL affiliate in St. John's.

Hurricanes Sign Tim Gleason to Four-Year Extension

The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Tim Gleason to a four-year contract extension worth $16 million. The deal will pay him $3.5 million next season, $4.5 million in 2013-14 and 2014-15, and $3.5 million in 2015-16. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 51 games so far this season, he has one goal and 13 assists for 14 points and 44 penalty minutes. An excellent signing for the Hurricanes, as Gleason has become one of the team's top blueliners. He's an excellent shutdown defenseman who has plenty of mobility and plays with some grit. Look for him to continue to be one of Carolina's top defensemen over the next four seasons.

Blackhawks Acquire Brendan Morrison from Flames

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have acquired center Brendan Morrison from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Brian Connelly. In 28 games this season with the Flames, Morrison has four goals and seven assists for 11 points. Connelly has five goals and 31 assists for 36 points in 44 games with Rockford of the AHL. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Not a bad move for the Blackhawks, as Morrison will bring plenty of depth up the middle for the team. He also adds some playmaking and faceoff skills to the forward lines. As for the Flames, they land a defensive asset in Connelly, but he is a long shot to make the team at this time. For now, he will provide plenty of offensive skill to the blueline of their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Sharks Acquire Tim Kennedy from Panthers for Sean Sullivan

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have acquired center Tim Kennedy from the Florida Panthers in exchange for defenseman Sean Sullivan. In 27 games this season with the Panthers, Kennedy has one goal and one assist. He has also appeared in 18 games with San Antonio of the AHL, scoring three goals and six assists for nine points. Sullivan has five goals and 19 assists for 24 points in 32 games with Worcester of the AHL. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is a depth move at best for both teams. Kennedy could see some time on the Sharks' roster as a fourth line forward, while Sullivan will likely remain in the minors for the rest of the season.

Maple Leafs Sign John-Michael Liles to Four-Year Extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Wednesday that they have signed defenseman John-Michael Liles to a four-year contract extension worth $15.5 million. The deal will average out to $3.875 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 34 games this season, Liles has four goals and 17 assists for 21 points. He is currently on injured reserve with a concussion. This is a decent signing for the Maple Leafs, as Liles was having a fine year with the club until being sidelined with the concussion. He brings lots of offensive skill and mobility to the team's blueline, as well as plenty of talent to the power play. Look for him to continue to be a good fit on Toronto's defense for the duration of the contract.

Stars Sign Alex Goligoski to Four-Year Extension

The Dallas Stars announced today that they have signed defenseman Alex Goligoski to a four-year contract extension worth $18.4 million. The deal averages out for $4.6 million per season. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency this summer. In 36 games so far this season, he has five goals and 10 assists for 15 points. He missed 11 games this season with a broken thumb. Not a bad signing in terms of skill level, as Goligoski brings plenty of offensive skill to the blueline. He has excellent puck-moving skills and mobility, can play lots of minutes, and brings talent to the power play. However, the salary is a bit steep, as the Stars probably could have signed Goligoski for a little bit less money.

Devils Acquire Alexei Ponikarovsky from Hurricanes

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have acquired left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Joe Sova and a fourth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. In 50 games this season with the Hurricanes, Ponikarovsky has eight goals and eight assists for 16 points. Sova has two goals and two assists for four points in 14 games with Albany of the AHL. He has also appeared in 18 games with Kalamazoo of the ECHL, scoring two goals and five assists for seven points. Not a bad depth move for the Devils, as Ponikarovsky will bring some two-way skill and offensive ability to the forward lines. More than likely, he will play on the team's third line for the remainder of the season. As for the Hurricanes, the subtraction of Ponikarovsky will give one of their younger forwards an opportunity to step up in the second half of the season. As for Sova, he is really just a depth acquisition for the team and will likely remain in the minors for the remainder of the season.