Canadiens Re-Sign Forward Chipchura for One Year

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have re-signed center Kyle Chipchura to a one-year contract worth $500,000. In 13 games last season with the Canadiens, Chipchura scored three assists. He also appeared in 51 games for the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Hamilton, scoring 14 goals and 21 assists for 35 points and 65 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Chipchura has good two-way abilities, decent offensive skill, and plays with a physical edge. He will likely make the Canadiens full time next season, centering either the third or fourth line.

Ducks Sign Defenseman McCarthy to One-Year Deal

The Anaheim Ducks added some depth to their blueline last weekend by signing defenseman Steve McCarthy to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. McCarthy appeared in 18 games last season with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), scoring no points. He last played in the NHL with the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2007-08 season. In 302 career NHL games with the Thrashers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Vancouver Canucks, he has 17 goals and 38 assists for 55 points and 168 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Ducks, as McCarthy has plenty of offensive skill on the blueline and is a decent passer. He could play on the third defensive pairing next season, but could also be a seventh defenseman depending on how he and other defensive prospects perform for the Ducks at training camp in September.

Panthers Sign Forward Graham Mink to Two-Year Deal

The Florida Panthers have announced that they have signed right wing Graham Mink to a two-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mink only appeared in two games last season for the Washington Capitals, scoring no points. He also played in 68 games last season with the Capitals’ AHL affiliate in Hershey, scoring 32 goals and 27 assists for 59 points and 101 penalty minutes. Mink has enjoyed some success at the AHL level for the past several seasons, so he was likely brought in by the Panthers to add some scoring depth to their AHL affiliate in Rochester. If he plays any games with the Panthers next season, it will likely be on the fourth line and only if the team is suffering from a slew of injuries.

Canadiens Sign Forward Travis Moen to Three-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens continued to retool their team last weekend by signing left wing Travis Moen to a three-year contract worth $4.5 million. The deal averages out to $1.5 million per season. Moen spent most of last season with the Anaheim Ducks until he was traded to the San Jose Sharks at the 2009 trade deadline with defenseman Kent Huskins in exchange for prospects Nick Bonino and Timo Pielmeier and a conditional draft pick in the 2009 draft. In all 82 games last season with the Ducks and Sharks, he scored seven goals and nine assists for 16 points and 91 penalty minutes. In 362 games with the Ducks, Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks, he has 29 goals and 27 assists for 56 points and 487 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Moen is a very gritty forward who is very good at shutting down the opposition from the wing. He is also very effective on the penalty kill, which will be a huge boost to the team when down a man.

Senators Sign Defenseman Kinrade to One-Year Contract

The Ottawa Senators have announced that they have signed defenseman Geoff Kinrade to a one-year, two-way contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Kinrade was signed to an amateur tryout late last season by the Tampa Bay Lightning, appearing in one game with the team and scoring no points. He also played in 10 games with the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL, scoring one goal and three assists for four points. Prior to signing with the Lightning, Kinrade played in 38 games for Michigan Tech of the WCHA, scoring three goals and 13 assists for 16 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Senators, as Kinrade’s lack of experience will keep him from playing in the NHL this season. If he performs well for the Senators’ AHL affiliate in Binghamton next season, he could be re-signed next summer.

Blue Jackets Re-Sign Defenseman Sigalet to Two-Year Deal

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that they have re-signed defenseman Jonathan Sigalet to a two-year, two-way contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sigalet did not play in any NHL games last season, instead appearing in 19 games with the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate in Syracuse, scoring five goals and six assists for 11 points. He appeared in one NHL game for the Boston Bruins during the 2006-07 season, scoring no points. This is really just a depth signing for the Blue Jackets, as Sigalet is not likely to see much NHL action next season unless the Columbus defense gets ravaged with injuries.

Avalanche Re-Sign Defenseman Kyle Cumisky

The Colorado Avalanche announced that they have re-signed defenseman Kyle Cumisky to a new contract. The exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Cumisky appeared in six games for the Avalanche last season, scoring no points. He missed 33 games last season with a shoulder injury after being recalled by the team in January. He also played in 28 games for the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL in 2008-09, scoring five goals and 12 assists for 17 points. Not a bad signing for the Avalanche, as Cumisky is a very mobile defenseman and has decent offensive skills on the blueline. Given the team’s depth on defense for next season, it’s likely he will spend most of it in the minors unless injuries begin to mount.

Capitals Sign Forward Morrison to One-Year Deal

The Washington Capitals added some offensive depth to their roster last Friday by signing center Brendan Morrison to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. Morrison appeared in 81 games last season with the Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars after being claimed off waivers by the Stars, scoring 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points. In 755 career games with the Stars, Ducks, New Jersey Devils, and Vancouver Canucks, he has 175 goals and 330 assists for 505 points. This is an okay signing for the Capitals, as Morrison brings some much needed center ice depth to the team. Morrison brings plenty of skill to the team’s power play and is a great face-off man as well as playmaker. With Sergei Fedorov leaving to play in Russia next season and the Capitals looking to rid themselves of Michael Nylander, Morrison will likely be the second line center next season, but could drop to the third line if Nylander remains with the team. Morrison’s offensive production has been in decline for the past few seasons, but perhaps playing alongside the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Knuble, and Brooks Laich could give him a bit of a jumpstart offensively next season.

Penguins Sign Defenseman Jay McKee to One-Year Deal

The Pittsburgh Penguins added some veteran depth to their blueline last Friday by signing defenseman Jay McKee to a one-year contract worth $800,000. McKee had his contract bought out by the St. Louis Blues on June 29 due in large part to his injury history. He still had one more year on his old contract. In 69 games last season with the Blues, he scored one goal and seven assists for eight points. In 740 career games with the Blues and Buffalo Sabres, he has 20 goals and 95 assists for 115 points. This is a decent and affordable signing for the Penguins, as McKee brings lots of defensive depth to the blueline. He will also bring plenty of grit, veteran depth, and great shot-blocking skills to the defending Stanley Cup champions next season.

Devils Sign Goaltender Danis to One-Year Contract

The New Jersey Devils announced that they have signed goaltender Yann Danis to a one-year contract worth $550,000. Danis appeared in 31 games last season with the New York Islanders, posting a 10-17-3 record with a 2.86 GAA and a .910 save percentage. He also played in 10 games last season with the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, posting a 7-3-0 record with a 2.26 GAA and a .924 save percentage. This is an okay signing for the Devils, as they were looking to sign a solid, affordable backup goaltender to play only a handful of games behind Martin Brodeur. Danis will give the Devils adequate goaltending depth, but don’t expect to see him playing a lot of games, as Brodeur is once again likely to play in almost every game of the season.

Canadiens Sign Defenseman Mara to One-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens continued to add veteran depth to their roster last Friday by signing defenseman Paul Mara to a one-year contract worth $1.675 million. In 76 games last season for the New York Rangers, Mara scored five goals and 16 assists for 21 points and 94 penalty minutes. In 639 career games with the Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Phoenix Coyotes, and Boston Bruins, he has 63 goals and 176 assists for 239 points and 640 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Canadiens as they continue to retool their roster with veteran players. Mara brings plenty of toughness to the team’s blueline as well as some offense, especially on the power play.

Rangers Re-Sign Forward Dane Byers

The New York Rangers announced that they have re-signed left wing Dane Byers to a new contract. Exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Byers did not play in any NHL games last season, instead appearing in nine games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, scoring four goals and three assists for seven points. He has only played in one career NHL game, scoring no points. I’m not sure why Byers only played in nine AHL games last season, but I’m guessing he sustained an injury that sidelined him for quite a bit of time. Not a bad depth signing for the Rangers, as Byers has the potential to become a top-nine forward in the NHL. He could see playing time on the fourth line next season given the Rangers’ current shortage of offensive depth, bringing plenty of gritty play to the team’s offense.

Lightning Sign Goaltender Niittymaki to One-Year Contract

The Tampa Bay Lightning added some much needed goaltending depth to their team last Friday by signing Antero Niittymaki to a one-year contract worth $600,000. There had been rumors the Philadelphia Flyers were interested in retaining the Finnish netminder, but opted to go with a brand new tandem of Ray Emery and Brian Boucher. In 32 games last season with the Flyers, Niittymaki posted a 15-8-6 with a 2.76 GAA and a .912 save percentage. This is a decent move by the Lightning, as they were in desperate need of a proven backup goalie. Niittymaki played fairly well last season as the backup for the Flyers and even jumped into the starter’s role when Martin Biron struggled at times. Niittymaki will likely be the backup to Mike Smith next season as the Lightning see Smith as their number one goalie, but the team could also opt to have both goalies share both the starting and backup duties.

Hurricanes Sign Defenseman Harrison to One-Year Deal

The Carolina Hurricanes announced that they have signed defenseman Jay Harrison to a one-year, two-way contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Harrison appeared in seven games last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs after signing as a free agent with the team on March 27, scoring one assist. Prior to signing with the Maple Leafs last season, he appeared in 41 games with EV Zug of the Swiss National League, scoring six goals and nine assists for 15 points and 96 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth move for the Hurricanes’ defense, as Harrison will likely play most of next season in the minors. If he does play with the team next season, he will bring plenty of grit and rugged play as a sixth or seventh defenseman.

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 Sign Forward Wallin to One-Year Contract

The Toronto Maple Leafs have lured another player away from the Swedish Elite League by signing center Rickard Wallin to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Wallin makes the second Swede the Maple Leafs have signed from the Swedish League, with goalie sensation Jonas Gustavsson having signed a one-year deal on July 9. Last season in 55 games with Farjestad, Wallin scored 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points. Wallin’s stock has risen over the past few seasons after his offensive game really began to take off in Sweden. He last played in the NHL during the 2003-04 season with the Minnesota Wild. In 19 career NHL games, all with the Wild, he has six goals and four assists for 10 points. If Wallin can produce the same numbers in the NHL that he did in the Swedish League, then this will be a great signing for the Wild. His offensive game has really improved since his last game in the NHL five years ago, so he could be an effective top-six forward for the Maple Leafs. If he has a good season in 2009-10, expect him to remain in Toronto beyond next season.

Sabres Re-Sign Forward Matt Ellis to One-Year Deal

The Buffalo Sabres announced that they have re-signed left wing Matt Ellis to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ellis appeared in 45 games last season with the Sabres, scoring seven goals and five assists for 12 points. He also played in 12 games last season with the Sabres’ AHL affiliate in Portland, scoring two goals and two assists for four points. In 115 career NHL games with the Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings, he has 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Sabres, as Ellis works very hard on every shift he plays. He doesn’t score a lot of goals or put up a lot of points, but his hard work makes him a very effective two-way forward on the checking lines.

Devils Acquire Forward Sestito from Oilers

The New Jersey Devils added some grit to their team last Thursday by acquiring left wing Tim Sestito from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a conditional draft pick in a future draft. Sestito appeared in only one game last season for the Oilers, scoring no points. He also appeared in 51 games for the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Springfield last season, scoring five goals and three assists for eight points and 77 penalty minutes. This is likely a depth trade for the Devils, as they already have enforcers in David Clarkson and Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond. Sestito could find himself on the team next season if either of the aforementioned players should be sidelined with a lengthy injury.

Rangers Sign Forward Ales Kotalik to Three-Year Deal

The New York Rangers added some much needed offense to their team last Thursday by signing left wing Ales Kotalik to a three-year contract worth $9 million. The deal averages out to $3 million per season. Kotalik appeared in 75 games last season with the Buffalo Sabres and Edmonton Oilers after being dealt to the Oilers at the 2009 trade deadline in exchange for a second round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. In those 75 games, he scored 20 goals and 23 assists for 43 points. In 445 career games with the Sabres and Oilers, he has 121 goals and 130 assists for 251 points. Not a bad signing for the Rangers, as they were in need of some offensive and goal-scoring depth for next season. Kotalik brings lots of offensive skill to the team, especially on the power play, and will likely be a top-six forward for the Rangers next season.

Ducks Sign Defenseman Boynton to One-Year Deal

The Anaheim Ducks added some defensive depth to their blueline last week by signing defenseman Nick Boynton to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. In 68 games last season with the Florida Panthers, Boynton scored five goals and 16 assists for 21 points and 91 penalty minutes. In 505 career games with the Panthers, Boston Bruins, and Phoenix Coyotes, he has 32 goals and 96 assists for 128 points and 751 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Ducks, who were in need of some toughness on defense after the departures of Chris Pronger and Francois Beauchemin. While Boynton brings the Ducks plenty of defensive depth and physical play, his skill alone is not enough to replace the skills of Pronger and Beauchemin. Look for the Ducks to possibly pursue another affordable veteran defenseman to help further solidify their blueline.

Flames Re-Sign Forward Carsen Germyn

The Calgary Flames have announced that they have re-signed right wing Carsen Germyn to a new contract. Exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Germyn did not play in any NHL games last season, instead appearing in 75 games with the Quad City Flames of the AHL, scoring 13 goals and 47 assists for 60 points and 57 penalty minutes. He has appeared in a total of four NHL games with the Flames, scoring no points. This is really just a depth signing for the Flames, as Germyn is not likely to see much playing time with the team next season. He has put up great numbers and played very physical hockey at the AHL level, making him one the Flames’ top prospects for the past few seasons, but at 27-years-old, Germyn will never play regularly in the NHL at this point. He will just be a fourth line depth forward.

Kings Re-Sign Forward Parse to One-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced last week that they have re-signed right wing Scott Parse to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Parse did not play in any NHL games last season, instead appearing in 74 games with their AHL affiliate in Manchester. He scored 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Kings, as Parse will probably play another season in the minors before he gets any consideration for a roster spot on the team.

Blues Re-Sign Goaltender Hannu Toivonen

The St. Louis Blues announced that they have re-signed goaltender Hannu Toivonen to a new contract. The exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 52 games last season with Ilves Tampere of the Finnish League, Toivonen posted a 19-23-0 record with a 2.68 GAA and a .910 save percentage. He last played in the NHL with the Blues during the 2007-08 season, appearing in 23 games and posting a 6-10-5 record with a 3.44 GAA and .878 save percentage. The Blues have likely signed Toivonen as minor league depth for their AHL affiliate in Peoria, as they already appearing set with Chris Mason and Ty Conklin as their two netminders next season. Toivonen has struggled mightily in the NHL since his relatively successful rookie season in 2005-06 and spent last season in Finland to get back on his game, but only played okay. He could be called upon to be the backup if Mason or Conklin miss a lot of time with an injury, but I have my doubts that he will ever play regularly in the NHL again.

Veteran Center Joe Sakic Retires

One of the greatest centers to ever play in the NHL called it a career last Thursday as long-time Colorado Avalanche forward Joe Sakic retired after playing 20 seasons in the NHL. Sakic had been plagued by back problems in recent years and felt that he could not continue playing. He was limited to 15 games last season with the Avalanche after suffering a herniated disc in his back, as well as broken fingers he suffered in a snow blower accident. He scored only two goals and 10 assists for 12 points. In 1378 career games with the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise, he scored 625 goals and 1016 assists for 1641 points. Sakic was a 12-time all-star who won two Stanley Cups with the Avalanche in 1996 and 2001. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1996 as the MVP of the playoffs, the Hart Trophy in 2001 as league MVP, the Lady Byng Trophy in 2001 for gentlemanly conduct, and the Lester B. Pearson Award in 2001 as league MVP by the NHLPA. He is also the 14th highest goal scoring player and 8th highest point scoring player in NHL history. This is a huge loss for the Avalanche and NHL as a whole, as Sakic was a tremendous and classy player throughout his career. He was a proven goal scorer who excelled on the power play, had great passing skills, and was one of the greatest team leaders the NHL has ever known. Sakic always kept a cool head on the ice, even during the fierce and bitter rivalry that developed between the Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings during the mid 90s. Sakic should be very proud of everything he accomplished throughout his career, and should be a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame the first year he is eligible.

Lightning Sign Defenseman Foster to One-Year Deal

The Tampa Bay Lightning added some veteran depth to their blueline last week by signing defenseman Kurtis Foster to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Foster appeared in only 10 games last season for the Minnesota Wild after suffering a badly broken leg during the 2007-08 season that almost forced him into retirement. After undergoing lots of conditioning, he made an improbable comeback last season. In those 10 games, he scored one goal and five assists for six points. In 186 career games with the Wild and Atlanta Thrashers, he has 21 goals and 56 assists for 77 points. This is a decent signing for the Lightning, as Foster gives the team some offensive skill on the blueline, especially on the power play, and some toughness as well. While Foster was impressive in the few games he played last season, he will have to prove himself again this season to show that his leg injury will not effect his performance on the ice.