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.