Lightning Sign Matt Gilroy and Richard Petiot

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have signed defenseman Matt Gilroy to a one-year contract and defenseman Richard Petiot to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. In 58 games last season with the New York Rangers, Gilroy had three goals and eight assists for 11 points. Petiot appeared in two games last season with the Edmonton Oilers, scoring no points. He also played in 66 games with Oklahoma City of the AHL, scoring 15 assists. Gilroy isn't a bad depth signing for the Lightning, as he skates well and has some offensive skill on the blueline. Given the depth on Tampa Bay's defense for next season, he will likely have to fight for a roster spot at training camp in September. As for Petiot, he is really just a depth signing for the team and will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors.

Oilers Add MacIntyre, Petiot, Re-Sign Strudwick

The Edmonton Oilers added some toughness to their lineup on Friday by signing left wing Steve MacIntyre and defensemen Richard Petiot and Jason Strudwick to one-year contracts. Financial terms of all three deals were not disclosed. These aren't bad signings for the Oilers, as all three players will add toughness to the lineup. MacIntyre will bring lots of grit and toughness to the checking lines, while Strudwick will provide toughness and veteran depth to the team's defense. Petiot also brings toughness to the blueline, but will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Blackhawks Sign Defenseman Petiot to One-Year Contract

The Chicago Blackhawks announced that they have signed defenseman Richard Petiot to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Petiot was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2009 trade deadline by the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for goaltender Olaf Kolzig, defensemen Jamie Heward and Andy Rogers, and a fourth round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. The move was done so the Lightning could dump some salary. In 11 games last season with the Lightning, Petiot scored three assists. He also appeared in 46 games with the Norfolk Admirals and Toronto Marlies of the AHL, scoring three goals and 11 assists for 14 points. This is merely a depth move for the Blackhawks, as they already have their defense set for next season. Petiot will likely spend most of the season in the minors unless injuries begin to mount for the Blackhawks.

Maple Leafs Acquire Kolzig, Heward, Rogers from Lightning

In one of the last reported trades on the 2008-09 deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Olaf Kolzig, defenseman Jamie Heward, defensive prospect Andy Rogers, and a fourth round draft pick in exchange for defensive prospect Richard Petiot. The fourth round draft pick is the one the Lightning received in the Jussi Jokinen trade. Kolzig and Heward are out for the rest of the season with injuries and it was reported the Maple Leafs took on these players to help Tampa Bay cut salary. So, the trade is essentially Rogers and a draft pick for Petiot. Kolzig struggled in his one season in Tampa Bay, posting a 2-4-1 record. Heward had two assists in 13 games with the Lightning this season. Both Petiot and Rogers have played in the AHL all season. Rogers, a very big and physical defenseman, could be a decent porspect for the Maple Leafs' defense in the future, while Petiot will bring some defensive depth to the Lightning's blueline.