Capitals Re-Sign Four Players to New Contracts

The Washington Capitals have retained several depth players by signing defenseman Shaone Morrisonn, right wing Eric Fehr, left wing Chris Bourque, and center Kyle Wilson to one-year contracts. Morrisonn’s contract is worth $1.975 million, Fehr’s is worth $771,750, while the financial terms of Bourque’s and Wilson’s contracts were not disclosed. In 72 games last season with the Capitals, Morrisonn scored three goals and 10 assists for 13 points and 77 penalty minutes. In 350 career games with the Capitals and Boston Bruins, he has nine goals and 49 assists for 58 points and 355 penalty minutes. Fehr appeared in 61 games last season with the Capitals, scoring 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points. Bourque played in only eight games for the team last season, scoring one goal. He also appeared in 69 games with the Capitals’ AHL affiliate in Hershey, scoring 21 goals and 52 assists for 73 points. Wilson did not play in any NHL games last season, instead appearing in 80 games with Hershey, scoring 28 goals and 30 assists for 58 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game.

These aren’t bad signings for the Capitals. Morrisonn is a very mobile defensive defenseman who plays with some toughness. His defensive skills will make him an important top-four blueliner for the Capitals next season. Fehr brings plenty of offensive and scoring depth to the team’s forward lines. His improved offensive play last season should get him a top-nine role next season. Bourque possesses a wealth of goal-scoring and offensive talent and could likely become a top-six forward in the NHL. At 5’9” and 173 lbs., he will probably always be criticized for not being big enough, but that likely won’t stop Bourque from becoming a scoring forward in the NHL. Wilson has the skills to become a top-six forward in the NHL, but given the Capitals’ depth on offense for next season, he will likely spend most of it in the minors unless the team becomes ravaged with injuries.

Coyotes Sign Forward Korpikoski to Two-Year Deal

Just days after acquiring left wing Lauri Korpikoski from the New York Rangers for right wing Enver Lisin, the Phoenix Coyotes have signed the 23-year-old Finn to a two-year contract worth $1.4 million. The deal averages out to $700,000 per season. In 68 games last season with the Rangers, his first full season in the NHL, Korpikoski scored six goals and eight assists for 14 points. This is a good signing for the Coyotes, as Korpikoski possesses plenty of speed and has good skill at handling the puck. He has the potential to become a top-six scoring forward in the NHL, so the Coyotes have landed another talented young forward to help rebuild the team.

Thrashers Re-Sign Goaltender Kari Lehtonen

The Atlanta Thrashers have announced that they have re-signed goaltender Kari Lehtonen to a one-year contract worth $3 million. In 46 games last season with the Thrashers, he posted a 19-22-3 record, three shutouts, a 3.06 GAA, and a .911 save percentage. In 204 career games, all with the Thrashers, he has a record of 94-83-17, 14 shutouts, a 2.87 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. Not a bad signing for the Thrashers, as they appear keen to stick with Lehtonen for another season despite the rumors that they have been looking to trade the Finnish netminder. He hasn’t been able to play up to his lofty expectations in Atlanta and has suffered several injuries over the past few years, but he is still a solid starter when healthy and still has yet to hit his potential.

Sabres Re-Sign Forward Kaleta to One-Year Contract

The Buffalo Sabres have announced that they have re-signed right wing Patrick Kaleta to a one-year contract worth $552,500. Last season with the Sabres, Kaleta appeared in 51 games, scoring four goals and five assists for nine points and 89 penalty minutes. In 98 career games, all with the Sabres, he has seven goals and nine assists for 16 points and 151 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the team, as Kaleta is a very physical player who plays with lots of grit. It looks as if he and Adam Mair could take over the enforcer duties for next season, as Andrew Peters is still an unsigned free agent and may not be retained by the team.

Hurricanes Add Defensemen Alberts & Fitzgerald, Re-Sign Angelidis

The Carolina Hurricanes have announced that they have signed defensemen Andrew Alberts to a two-year contract worth $2.1 million and Zach Fitzgerald to a one-year, two-way contract. The team also announced the re-signing left wing Mike Angelidis to a one-year, two-way contract. Alberts’ deal averages out to $1.05 million per season, while financial terms of Fitzgerald’s and Angelidis’ contracts were not disclosed. Alberts was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers last October by the Boston Bruins in exchange for Ned Lukacevic and a conditional 2009 draft pick. In 79 games last season with the Flyers, Alberts scored one goal and 12 assists for 13 points and 61 penalty minutes. In 263 career games, he has two goals and 30 assists for 32 points and 292 penalty minutes. Fitzgerald appeared in 56 games last season for the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, scoring eight assists ad 208 penalty minutes. He played in one NHL game for the Vancouver Canucks in 2007-08, scoring no points. Angelidis played in 67 games last season for the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate in Albany, scoring 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points and 142 penalty minutes. He has yet to appear in an NHL game.

The Alberts signing is not a bad one for the Hurricanes, as he brings plenty of toughness and grit to their defense. He will likely be a sixth of seventh defenseman for the team next season. Fitzgerald and Angelidis are nothing more than depth signings for the team. They will likely spend all of next season in the minors, where they will provide plenty of toughness at their respected positions for Albany of the AHL.

Canadiens Re-Sign Forward Latendresse & Defenseman Belle

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have re-signed left wing Guillaume Latendresse to a one-year contract worth $803,000 and defenseman Shawn Belle to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of Belle’s deal were not disclosed. In 56 games last season for the Canadiens, Latendresse scored 14 goals and 12 assists for 26 points. In 209 career games, all with the Canadiens, he has 46 goals and 36 assists for 82 points. Belle did not appear in any NHL games last season, instead playing in 60 games with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Hamilton, scoring three goals and 10 assists for 13 points and 93 penalty minutes. The Latendresse signing is a decent one for the team, as he possesses plenty of offensive skill, especially on the power play, and is a decent passer. As a top-nine forward for the Canadiens next season, Latendresse will be an effective player. The Belle signing is really nothing more than a depth move, though he does provide plenty of toughness on defense. The Canadiens already have sufficient depth on their defense for next season, so Belle will likely spend another season in the minors.

Penguins Re-Sign Forward Wallace & Defenseman Lovejoy

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that they have re-signed right wing Tim Wallace to a two-year contract and defenseman Ben Lovejoy to a one-year contract. Terms of both deals were not disclosed. Wallace appeared in 16 games last season with the Penguins, scoring two assists. He also played in 58 games for the Penguins’ AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, scoring 11 goals and eight assists for 19 points. Lovejoy appeared in two games with the Penguins last season, his first in the NHL, scoring no points. He also played in 76 games for Wilkes/Barre-Scranton, scoring seven goals and 24 assists for 31 points and 84 penalty minutes. These are not bad depth signings for the Penguins, as both players have a chance to make the team next season. Wallace gives the team plenty of offensive depth and could likely play on the fourth line next season. Lovejoy has good size and toughness and has plenty of offensive potential. Given the depth on the Penguins’ defense next season, he could be end up being the seventh defenseman unless there is an injury at some point.

Rangers Re-Sign Defenseman Corey Potter

The New York Rangers have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Corey Potter to a new contract. Exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In five games last season with the Rangers, his first in the NHL, Potter scored one goal and one assist for two points. He also played in 67 games with the Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford last season, scoring 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points and 82 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Rangers, as Potter is a big defenseman who plays with toughness and has offensive potential from the back end. If the Rangers give him a chance, he could develop into a top-six defenseman with the team.

Hurricanes Sign Forward Kostopolous to Three-Year Deal

The Carolina Hurricanes have added some grit to their forward lines by signing right wing Tom Kostopolous to a three-year contract worth $2.75 million. The deal averages out to $916,000 per season. Last season with the Montreal Canadiens, Kostopolous appeared in 78 games, scoring eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points and 106 penalty minutes. In 376 career games with the Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings, he has 40 goals and 65 assists for 105 points and 468 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Hurricanes, as Kostopolous brings lots of grit and toughness to the checking line. He’s decent on the penalty kill and can chip in offensively from time to time, making him an effective forward. Plus, at $916,000 per season, he is a very affordable pickup for the Hurricanes for the next three years.

Flames Sign Defenseman Staffan Kronwall

The Calgary Flames have announced that they have signed defenseman Staffan Kronwall. Exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He appeared in three games last season with the Washington Capitals, scoring no points. He was claimed off waivers by the Capitals from the Toronto Maple Leafs in February. Kronwall also played in 59 games with the Hershey Bears and Toronto Marlies of the AHL, scoring nine goals and 25 assists for 34 points. This is an okay depth signing for the Flames, as Kronwall has good size and is a very mobile defenseman. He does has some offensive upside, but not enough to make a huge impact at the NHL level. He will likely be a sixth or seventh defenseman for the Flames next season.

Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman Mathieu Roy to One-Year Deal

The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that they have signed defenseman Mathieu Roy to a one-year, two-way contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Roy did not appear in any NHL games last season, instead playing in 59 games with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Springfield, scoring two goals and 15 assists for 17 points and 120 penalty minutes. He last played in the NHL during the 2007-08 season. Not a bad depth move for the Blue Jackets, as Roy is a big, tough defenseman who plays with lots of grit. However, he is not very mobile and does not have a lot of offensive potential, so he will likely be a sixth of seventh depth defenseman for the team next season when he’s not in the minors.

Predators Re-Sign Maki, Add Forward Guite

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have re-signed right wing Ryan Maki to a one-year, two-way contract and signed center Ben Guite to a one-year, two-way contract as well. Financial terms of both their deals were not disclosed. Maki did not appear in any NHL games last season, instead playing in 65 games with the Predators’ AHL affiliate in Milwaukee, scoring 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points. He has yet to play in the NHL. Guite appeared in 50 games last season for the Colorado Avalanche, scoring five goals and seven assists for 12 points. In 169 career games with the Avalanche and Boston Bruins, he has 19 goals and 26 assists for 45 points. Both Guite and Maki are really nothing more than depth signings for the Predators. Maki has the potential to become a checking line forward and could likely do so down the road for the Predators. Guite will give the team plenty of gritty, offensive depth on either the third or fourth lines next season.

Coyotes Acquire Korpikoski from Rangers for Lisin

The Phoenix Coyotes have added some young scoring depth to their roster by acquiring left wing Lauri Korpikoski from the New York Rangers in exchange for right wing Enver Lisin. In 68 games last season with the Rangers, also his first full season in the NHL, Korpikoski scored six goals and eight assists for 14 points. Lisin appeared in 48 games last season with the Coyotes, scoring 13 goals and eight assists for 21 points. He also played in 10 games with the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate in San Antonio in 2008-09, scoring two goals and four assists for six points. Not a bad swap for the Coyotes, as Korpikoski has the offensive potential to become a top-six forward in the NHL. He also possesses plenty of speed and puck handling skills. Lisin has the potential to become a top-six forward in the NHL as well, but the Rangers need to give him more of a chance to prove himself than the Coyotes did. Still, Lisin has decent speed and can score goals when he’s on the ice. He should be a decent pickup for the Rangers.

Rangers’ Re-Sign Forward Callahan to Two-Year Contract

The New York Rangers have announced that they have re-signed right wing Ryan Callahan to a two-year contract worth $4.6 million, avoiding arbitration with the young winger. The deal averages out to $2.3 million per season. In 81 games last season with the Rangers, Callahan scored 22 goals and 18 assists for 40 points. In 147 career games, all with the Rangers, he has 34 goals and 25 assists for 59 points. This is a good signing for the Rangers, as Callahan is quickly emerging as one the team’s top young forwards. He’s also a good two-way player who plays very hard on the ice. If Callahan can continue to better his offensive skills, he could become a top-six forward with the team over the next two years.

Oilers Sign Forward Minard & Defenseman Nickerson

The Edmonton Oilers added a couple of depth players last Monday night by signing left wing Chris Minard and defenseman Matt Nickerson to contracts. Minard signed a one-year deal worth $500,000, while the exact length and financial terms of Nickerson’s deal was not disclosed. In 20 games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Minard scored one goal and two assists for three points while winning the Stanley Cup with the team. He also appeared in 54 games with the Penguins’ AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, scoring 34 goals and 23 assists for 57 points. Nickerson appeared in 40 games last season with Ilves of the Finnish League, scoring one goal and one assist for two points and 156 penalty minutes. He has never played in an NHL game. Minard is not a bad depth signing for the Oilers, as he plays real hard every shift he’s on the ice. He’s also been a proven scorer at the AHL level, so if he gets sent to the minors, Minard will give the Oilers’ AHL affiliate plenty of scoring depth. The Nickerson signing is really just to add gritty, defensive depth to the Oilers’ AHL team in Springfield. He likely won’t see any NHL action next season.

Kings Sign Forward Segal to Two-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have signed right wing Brandon Segal to a two-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Segal appeared in two games with the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, his first in the NHL, scoring no points. He also played in 69 games with the Lightning’s AHL affiliate in Norfolk, scoring 26 goals and 26 assists for 52 points and 95 penalty minutes. This is not a bad depth signing for the Kings, as Segal has the potential to become a top-nine forward in the NHL. He has gradually been improving at the AHL level, and could be poised to jump to the NHL within the next two seasons. If he does, he will likely be on the Kings’ fourth line providing plenty of toughness and offensive depth.

Capitals Re-Sign Forward Gordon to One-Year Contract

The Washington Capitals have announced that they have re-signed center Boyd Gordon to a one-year contract worth $761,000. Gordon appeared in 63 games last season for the Capitals, scoring five goals and nine assists for 14 points. In 267 career games, all with the Capitals, he has 20 goals and 46 assists for 66 points. Not a bad signing for the Capitals, as Gordon brings plenty of offensive skill and depth to the forward lines. Given the team’s depth at center for next season, Gordon will likely be the fourth line center. Brooks Laich and Brendan Morrison will compete for the second line center at training camp, likely Laich, while the other will center the third line, likely Morrison. Michael Nylander could also end up as the second or third line center depending on what the Capitals decide to do with him this summer. If they decide he does not fit into their future plans, they will probably attempt to trade him first. If they can find no takers, and they have not thus far, they could demote him to the minors or assign him to a European team to trim down some salary. However, the Capitals could also wait until training camp in September and see how Nylander performs there before making a decision on what to do with the veteran center.

Bruins Sign Forwards Larman & Whitfield to One-Year Deals

The Boston Bruins added a couple of depth forwards to their roster last Monday by signing centers Drew Larman and Trent Whitfield to one-year contracts. Terms of their deals were not disclosed. Larman did not appear in any NHL games last season, instead playing in 61 games for the Florida Panthers’ AHL affiliate in Rochester, scoring 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points. In 22 career NHL games, all with the Panthers over two seasons, he has two goals and one assist for three points. Whitfield appeared in three games last season for the St. Louis Blues, scoring one assist. He also played in 69 games with the Blues’ AHL affiliate in Peoria, scoring 20 goals and 30 assists for 50 points. In 177 career NHL games with the Blues, Washington Capitals, and New York Rangers, Whitfield had 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points.

These are really just depth signings for the Bruins. Larman has potential to become a checking line forward, but given the depth on the Bruins for next season and beyond, could have a hard time cracking the lineup beyond the fourth line. Whitfield has enjoyed plenty of success at the AHL level the past several seasons, but isn’t much more than a third or fourth line forward in the NHL. He will provide lots of offensive depth and skill to the AHL’s Providence Bruins next season. If Whitfield does play for the Bruins at any time next season, he will give them sufficient offensive and veteran depth from the checking lines.

Thrashers Sign Forward Stewart & Defenseman Welch

The Atlanta Thrashers have announced that they have signed right wing Anthony Stewart and defenseman Noah Welch to contracts. The exact length and financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. Stewart played in 59 games for the Florida Panthers last season, scoring two goals and five assists for seven points. In 105 career games, he has four goals and eight assists for 12 points. He was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Panthers just prior to July 1, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. Welch split last season between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning after being dealt to the Lightning with a third round pick in the 2009 draft for Steve Eminger. In 40 games with the Panthers and Lightning, Welch scored one goal and one assist for two points. He also appeared in seven games with the Panthers’ AHL affiliate in Rochester, scoring three assists.

Stewart is not a bad signing for the Thrashers, though he needs to prove himself at the NHL level. Once one of the top prospects in the Panthers’ system, he has not been able to play up to his potential at the pro level, leaving him nothing more than a third line forward, although the Panthers probably could have given him more of a shot to prove himself. Stewart has plenty of untapped offensive potential and this could be a great signing for the Thrashers if he can get on his game. Perhaps the change of scenery could be enough to jumpstart Stewart’s career and turn him into the power forward he was once projected to become. Welch is really just a depth signing for the Thrashers. He will likely be the sixth or seventh defenseman on the team next season given their depth on defense.

Blackhawks Sign Forward Mark Cullen to One-Year Contract

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have signed center Mark Cullen to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. This will be his second stint with the Blackhawks organization. Cullen did not appear in any NHL games last season, instead playing in 56 games with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, scoring 14 goals and 25 assists for 39 points. He has appeared in 32 career NHL games with the Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers, scoring seven goals and nine assists for 16 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Blackhawks, although it is not a bad one. Given the team’s depth on offense for next season, Cullen likely will spend a good chunk of the season in the minors, but if he is recalled by the team, he will likely play on the fourth line, giving the Blackhawks plenty of offensive depth.

2009 NHL Arbitration

The following 20 NHL players have elected to file for salary arbitration this summer. The arbitration hearing begin on July 20 in Toronto and run until July 31. Arbitrators are only allowed to hand out one to two year deals and their decisions must be made within 48 hours of the hearing. Teams then have 48 hours to accept or decline the arbitrator's decision. If a team has more than one player filing for arbitration, that team has 48 hours from their last player's hearing to decide if they want to accept or decline the arbitrator's decision. If a team declines an arbitrator's decision, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent. The following players are still scheduled for arbitration:

Detroit Red Wings
Jiri Hudler - July 30

New York Rangers
Nikolai Zherdev - July 31

Phoenix Coyotes
Daniel Winnik - Awarded one-year contract in arbitration (no terms disclosed)

Vancouver Canucks
Kyle Wellwood - Awarded one-year contract worth $1.2 million in arbitration

Washington Capitals
Milan Jurcina - Awarded one-year contract worth $1.375 million in arbitration


The following players have re-signed with their teams prior to their arbitration hearings:

Anaheim Ducks
James Wisniewski - 1 year, $2.75 million (7/13)

Atlanta Thrashers
Colby Armstrong - 2 years, $2.4 million (7/16)

Boston Bruins
Matt Hunwick - 2 years, $2.9 million (7/20)

Buffalo Sabres
Clarke McArthur - 1 year, $552,500 (7/20)

Calgary Flames
Nigel Dawes - 2 years, $1.7 million (7/20)

Carolina Hurricanes
Tuomo Ruutu - 3 years, $11.4 million (7/23)

Chicago Blackhawks
Aaron Johnson - 1 year, undisclosed (7/6)

Columbus Blue Jackets
Marc Methot - 2 years, undisclosed (7/22)

Edmonton Oilers
Denis Grebeshkov - 1 year, $3.15 million (7/21)

Minnesota Wild
Kyle Brodziak - 3 years, undisclosed (7/23)
Josh Harding - 1 year, $1.1 million (7/29)

Montreal Canadiens
Tomas Plekanec - 1 year, $2.75 million (7/21)

New Jersey Devils
Travis Zajac - 4 years, $15.55 million (7/22)

New York Islanders
Nate Thompson - 1 year, two-way contract, undisclosed (7/25)

New York Rangers
Ryan Callahan - 2 years, $4.6 million (7/13)

Tampa Bay Lightning
Matt Smaby - 2 years, $1.05 million (7/26)

Ducks Re-Sign Defenseman Wisniewski to One-Year Contract

The Anaheim Ducks announced last Monday that they have re-signed defenseman James Wisniewski to a one-year contract worth $2.75 million, thus avoiding salary arbitration with the young defenseman. Wisniewski was one of 20 players who had filed for arbitration earlier in July. He started last season with the Chicago Blackhawks before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks at the 2009 trade deadline with forward Petri Kontiola in exchange for center Sami Pahlsson, defenseman Logan Stephanson, and a conditional fourth round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. In 48 games with the Ducks and Blackhawks, he scored three goals and 21 assists for 24 points. Wisniewski missed the first 28 games of the 2008-09 season recovering from right knee surgery. In 185 career games with the Ducks and Blackhawks, he has 14 goals and 53 assists for 67 points and 208 penalty minutes. This is a good signing for the Ducks, as Wisniewski has lots of potential to become a top-four defenseman in the league. He has great offensive skill on the blueline, especially on the power play, and plays with lots of grit and toughness. Hopefully the Ducks can get him locked up long term next summer, as he could end up being a decent replacement for the recently traded Chris Pronger.

Predators Re-Sign Defenseman Yonkman to One-Year Deal

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Nolan Yonkman to a one-year, two-way contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Yonkman did not appear in any NHL games last season, instead playing in 61 games for the Predators’ AHL affiliate in Milwaukee. He scored three goals and seven assists for 10 points and 80 penalty minutes. Yonkman last appeared in the NHL with the Washington Capitals during the 2005-06 season. This is nothing more than a depth signing for the Predators’ and their AHL team. Yonkman is a very physical defenseman, but the fact that he hasn’t played in the NHL in four years will likely keep him in the minors all of next season.

Sabres Sign Defenseman Joe DiPenta to One-Year Contract

The Buffalo Sabres added some veteran depth to their blueline last weekend by signing defenseman Joe DiPenta to a one-year contract worth $550,000. DiPenta played in 47 games with Vastra Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League, scoring one goal and five assists for six points and 71 penalty minutes. He last played in the NHL during the 2007-08 season with the Anaheim Ducks. In 174 career NHL games with the Ducks and Atlanta Thrashers, he has six goals and 17 assists for 23 points and 110 penalty minutes. He won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007. Not a bad signing for the Sabres, as they were in need of a little bit more veteran experience on the blueline. DiPenta will bring the team lots of toughness and defensive skill as a sixth or seventh defenseman next season.

Flames Sign Tough-Guy Forward McGrattan to One-Year Deal

The Calgary Flames added some toughness to their line-up last weekend by signing right wing Brian McGrattan to a one-year contract worth $550,000. McGrattan played in only five games last season with the Phoenix Coyotes, scoring no points and 22 penalty minutes. He missed considerable time last season after entering the NHL’s substance abuse program. In 148 career games with the Coyotes and Ottawa Senators, he has two goals and eight assists for 10 points and 309 penalty minutes. McGrattan is one of the toughest forwards in the league today and brings lots of toughness and physicality to the Flames, but I don’t think this is such a wise signing for the team. McGrattan has no offensive upside whatsoever and he takes lots of bad penalties. The Flames have plenty of other physical forwards who are more skillful than McGrattan who can also stick up for their teammates. As a result, he could end up spending most of next season in the minors.