Winnipeg Jets Sign Randy Jones and Rick Rypien

The Winnipeg Jets have announced that they have signed defenseman Randy Jones to a one-year contract worth $1.15 million and right wing Rick Rypien to a one-year contract worth $700,000. In 61 games last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jones had one goal and 12 assists for 13 points. He missed the last 16 games of the regular season and eight playoff games with an ankle injury. Rypien appeared in nine games with the Vancouver Canucks last season, scoring one assist. He was suspended six games last November for an altercation with a fan during a game against the Minnesota Wild. He would go on to miss the majority of the 2010-11 season because of personal reasons. He also appeared in 11 games with Manitoba of the AHL, scoring two assists. These aren't bad depth signings for the Jets. Jones will add some offensive skill and puck-handling skills to the blueline as a sixth or seventh defenseman, while Rypien will bring lots of grit and toughness to the checking lines.

Lightning Re-Sign Downie, Simek; Add Randy Jones

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have re-signed right wing Steve Downie to a two-year contract worth $3.7 million and left wing Juraj Simek to a one-year, two-way contract. Downie's contract averages out to $1.85 million per season, while the financial terms of Simek's deal were not disclosed. The team also announced that they have signed defenseman Randy Jones to a one-year contract. Financial terms of his deal were not disclosed. These aren't bad signings for the Lightning. Downie has some offensive potential and is a very agitating winger who plays with lots of toughness. The only downside to his physical style of play is that he takes bad penalties and has earned occasional suspensions. Jones has some offensive skill on the blueline and is a good puck-handler. He should be a good fit on Tampa Bay's defense next season. Simek is really just a depth signing for the team and will likely spend most of next season in the minors, where he will provide plenty of offensive depth for Norfolk of the AHL.