Stars Sign Goaltender Krahn to One-Year Deal

The Dallas Stars have announced that they have signed goaltender Brent Krahn to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 22 games last season with Texas of the AHL, Krahn posted a 1-4-0 record, five shutouts, a 1.83 GAA, and a .945 save percentage. He did not appear in any NHL games last season. Not a bad depth signing for the Stars considering how well Krahn played last season in the AHL. He should provide adequate goaltending depth for their AHL affiliate next season.

Islanders Sign Forward Weight to One-Year Contract

According to tsn.ca, veteran center Doug Weight has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the New York Islanders. Financial terms of the deal have not been released, but it's believed the only thing holding up the official announcement of the signing is the bonus structure of the contract. In 36 games last season with the Islanders, Weight had one goal and 16 assists for 17 points. He missed much of the season with a torn labrum and a rotator cuff injury. In 1220 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, and New York Islanders, he has 276 goals and 748 assists for 1024 points. He won the Stanley Cup in 2006 as a member of the Hurricanes. Not a bad signing for the Islanders, as Weight brings lots of offensive depth and leadership to the team. Even though his offensive numbers have gone down in recent years, Weight still brings lots of experience to the rebuilding team and serve as a mentor to the younger players.

Canucks Sign Defenseman Rome to Two-Year Extension

The Vancouver Canucks announced today that they have signed defenseman Aaron Rome to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 49 games last season with the Canucks, Rome had four assists. He also appeared in seven games with Manitoba of the AHL, scoring six goals and one assist for seven points. In 75 career NHL games with the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Vancouver Canucks, he has one goal and six assists for seven points. Not a bad depth signing for the Canucks, as Rome has decent size and does have some offensive capabilities from the blueline. However, given the depth on Vancouver's defense for next season, Rome will likely be a reserve defenseman and mostly fill in for injured players.

Penguins Sign Defenseman Wagner to One-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they have signed defenseman Steve Wagner to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a free agent on July 1. The Penguins acquired the 26-year-old defenseman in February from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Nate Guenin. In 66 games last season with Peoria and Wilkes/Barre-Scranton of the AHL, Wagner had four goals and 18 assists for 22 points. He did not appear in any NHL games last season. This is really just a depth signing for the Penguins. Wagner has good size and decent offensive instincts, but needs some work at bettering his game in the defensive zone. He will likely spend most of next season in the minors, and if he does play with the Penguins, it will likely be as a sixth or seventh defenseman, and only if their blueline becomes ravaged with injuries.

Flyers Sign Goaltender Backlund to Two-Year Extension

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have signed goaltender Johan Backlund to a two-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Backlund appeared in one game with the Flyers last season, going 0-1-0, with a 3.00 GAA, and a .917 save percentage. He also appeared in 41 games with Adirondack of the AHL, posting a 21-17-2 record, two shutouts, a 2.79 GAA, and a .906 save percentage. Not a bad signing for the Flyers, as Backlund will likely serve as a backup goaltender for the Flyers next season. He's got good size and positioning, which will make him a good candidate for the backup role. Although, he will have to compete for that position at training camp in the fall with Brian Boucher, who is also under contract with the Flyers for next season.

Flames Sign Forward Cunning to One-Year Deal

The Calgary Flames have announced that they have signed left wing Cam Cunning to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a free agent on July 1. In 69 games last season with Abbotsford of the AHL, he had 19 goals and 19 assists for 38 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Flames. Cunning has been a fairly steady forward at the AHL level and has been a decent depth player for the Flames' AHL affiliate over the past several years. Given the offensive depth the Flames already have, he will likely spend next season in the minors.

Red Wings Sign Doug Janik to Two-Year Extension

According to Ansar Khan of mlive.com, the Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Doug Janik to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal is a two-way contract for next season and a one-way contract for the 2011-12 season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 13 games with the Red Wings last season, Janik scored two assists and 18 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 66 games with Grand Rapids of the AHL, scoring six goals and 31 assists for 37 points and 84 penalty minutes. In 174 career NHL games with the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings, he has three goals and 15 assists for 18 points and 141 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Red Wings. Janik plays with lots of toughness and brings plenty of veteran depth to the blueline, so he will be a decent acquisition to Grand Rapids' defense next season. If he does play any games with the Red Wings next season, it will likely be in the event of an injury and as a sixth or possibly seventh defenseman.

Maple Leafs Sign Forward Foster to One-Year Deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have signed left wing Alex Foster to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a free agent on July 1. In 30 games with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL last season, he scored nine goals and eight assists for 17 points. He did not appear in any NHL games last season. He last played in the NHL during the 2007-08 season, appearing in three games with the Maple Leafs and scoring no points. This is really nothing more than a depth signing for the Maple Leafs. Foster has decent size, can play either center or left wing, and can put up numbers at the minor league level. He will likely spend most, if not all, of next season in the minors.

Coyotes Re-Sign Hollweg and Schlemko

The Phoenix Coyotes announced today that they have signed left wing Ryan Hollweg to a one year contract and defenseman David Schlemko to a new contract. Financial terms of Hollweg's contract were not disclosed, while the exact length and terms of Schlemko's deal were not disclosed. Hollweg would have been an unrestricted free agent and Schlemko a restricted free agent on July 1. Hollweg appeared in 53 games last season with San Antonio of the AHL, scoring four goals and six assists for 10 points and 93 penalty minutes. He did not appear in any NHL games with the Coyotes last season. Schlemko played in 17 games with the Coyotes last season, scoring one goal and four assists for five points. He also appeared in 55 games with San Antonio of the AHL, scoring five goals and 26 assists for 31 points. These aren't bad depth signings for the Coyotes. Hollweg is a very physical and agitating forward who plays with lots of grit. If he makes the Coyotes next season, it will likely be as a fourth line winger. Schlemko has decent puck-moving skills and some offensive capabilities from the blueline. He could possibly make the team as a sixth or seventh defenseman depending on what moves the Coyotes make on defense this summer.

Coyotes Sign Forward Upshall to One-Year Extension

The Phoenix Coyotes announced today that they have signed left wing Scottie Upshall to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. In 49 games last season with the Coyotes, Upshall had 18 goals and 14 assists for 32 points and 50 penalty minutes. He missed much of the season with a right knee injury sustained in January. In 279 career NHL games with the Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, and Phoenix Coyotes, he has 64 goals and 74 assists for 138 points and 273 penalty minutes. This is a good signing for the Coyotes, as Upshall was having a breakout season in 2009-10 before injuring his knee. He is developing into a decent goal-scorer and also plays with lots of grit and energy. Look for him to be one of the Coyotes' top offensive producers for the 2010-11 season as long as he stays healthy.

Defenseman Rob Blake Announces His Retirement

Veteran defenseman Rob Blake announced today that he is going to retire from the NHL after 21 seasons in the league. He is expected to make an official announcement some time next week. In 70 games last season, Blake scored seven goals and 23 assists for 30 points and 60 penalty minutes. In 1270 career NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, and San Jose Sharks, he had 240 goals and 537 assists for 777 points and 1679 penalty minutes. Blake won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2001 and the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman in 1998. He also won a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Blake was an outstanding defenseman throughout his NHL career. He had great offensive skills from the blueline, was a very physical and gritty player, a proven leader in the locker room and on the ice, and will likely be in the Hall of Fame one day. He should be proud of everything he accomplished in his career and will be missed in the NHL.

Blue Jackets Sign Forward Kana to One-Year Extension

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have signed right wing Tomas Kana to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. The Blue Jackets acquired Kana last December from St. Louis along with defenseman Brendan Bell in exchange for forward Pascal Pelletier. In six games with the Blue Jackets last season, Kana had two assists. He also appeared in 50 games with Syracuse of the AHL, scoring 15 goals and 13 assists for 28 points. He also appeared in 11 games with Alaska of the ECHL, scoring six assists. This is nothing more than a depth move for the Blue Jackets. Kana has decent playmaking skills, but will likely have to prove himself at training camp in order to secure a roster spot on the team for the 2010-11 season.

Avalanche Sign Philippe Dupuis to One-Year Deal

The Colorado Avalanche have announced that they have signed center Philippe Dupuis to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a free agent on July 1. In four games last season with the Avalanche, Dupuis had one assist. He also appeared in 68 games with Lake Erie of the AHL, scoring 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points. Really just a depth signing for the Avalanche. Dupuis is not a bad defensive forward, but given the offensive depth and talent currently on the Avalanche roster, he will have to fight for a spot on the team at training camp.

NY Rangers Sign Forward Byers to Contract Extension

The New York Rangers announced today that they have signed left wing Dane Byers to a new contract. The exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He was eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. In five games last season with the Rangers, Byers scored one goal and 31 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 74 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, scoring 25 goals and 26 assists for 51 points and 100 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Rangers, as Byers has the potential to become a decent two-way forward. He plays with a lot of toughness and has some offensive ability. If he impresses enough at training camp in the fall, he could make the Rangers for the 2010-11 season as a third or fourth line forward.

Thrashers Agree to Terms with Forward Slater

The Atlanta Thrashers announced today that they have agreed to terms with center Jim Slater on a two-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 61 games last season with the Thrashers, Slater had 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points. In 335 career NHL games, all with the Thrashers, he has 42 goals and 46 assists for 88 pints. Not a bad signing for the Thrashers, as Slater is a decent two-way forward for the team. He's also good on he forecheck and has some offensive upside, which makes him an effective player for the rebuilding Thrashers.

Penguins Sign Forward Johnson to One-Year Deal

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that they have signed right wing Nick Johnson to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay him $500,000 at the NHL level. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. In six games last season with the Penguins, Johnson's first in the NHL, he scored one goal and one assist for two points. He also appeared in 61 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL, scoring 16 goals and 27 assists for 43 points. This is really nothing more than a depth signing for the Penguins. He does have some scoring upside, so Johnson will be a good fit for the team's AHL affiliate next season. If he plays any games with the Penguins next season, it will likely be in the event of an injury to one of their regular forwards.

Bruins Sign Defenseman Seidenberg to Four-Year Contract

The Boston Bruins announced today that they have signed defenseman Dennis Seidenberg to a four-year contract worth $13 million. The deal averages out to $3.25 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Bruins acquired the 28-year-old defenseman on March 3 from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Craig Weller, Byron Bitz, and a second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 79 games last season with the Panthers and Bruins, Seidenberg had four goals and 28 assists for 32 points. He missed the last four games of the regular season and all 13 of Boston's playoff games with a wrist injury. In 374 career NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and Boston Bruins, he has 18 goals and 98 assists for 116 points. Not a bad signing for the Bruins, as Seidenberg is quickly establishing himself as a top-four defenseman in the league. He's good on the power play and penalty kill, has sound defensive skills, and can chip in a goal from time to time. With two goals and seven assists in 17 games with the Bruins, he should be an effective point producer on the blueline for the team.

Red Wings Sign Holmstrom to Two-Year Deal

The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have signed right wing Tomas Holmstrom to a two-year contract extension worth $3.75 million. The deal averages out to $1.875 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The signing is the second for the Red Wings in as many days, with Nicklas Lidstrom signing a one-year extension just days prior. In 68 games last season with the Red Wings, Holmstrom scored 25 goals and 20 assists for 45 points. He also added four goals and three assists for seven points in 12 playoff games. In 879 career NHL games, all with Detroit, he has 214 goals and 255 assists for 469 points. He has won four Stanley Cups with the team (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008) and won an Olympic gold medal as member of Team Sweden in 2006. This is a great signing for the Red Wings, as Holmstrom has always been a fierce competitor in front of the net. He is, without a doubt, one of the best screeners in the league and drives opposing goalies crazy on a nightly basis. The only downside to Holmstrom's style of play is that he takes a lot of penalties in the offensive zone. He also plays with plenty of grit and is excellent on the power play. Plus, at $1.875 million per season, he is a pretty good deal for the type of player he is. His contract also gives the Red Wings a little extra salary cap space to continue to re-sign impending free agents and maybe add a depth player or two once free agency begins.

Bruins Sign Shawn Thornton to Two-Year Extension

The Boston Bruins announced today that they have signed right wing Shawn Thornton to a two-year contract extension worth $1.625 million. The deal averages out to $812,500 per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 74 games last season with the Bruins, he scored one goal and nine assists for 10 points and 141 penalty minutes. In 290 career NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, and Boston Bruins, he has 15 goals and 25 assists for 40 points and 496 penalty minutes. This is a decent signing for the Bruins, as Thornton is a very physical player on the ice. He plays with lots of grit and toughness and is a great agitator on the ice. He will be a fierce competitor for the team on the third and fourth lines next season.

Maple Leafs Re-sign Forward Hamilton to One-Year Deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have signed left wing Ryan Hamilton to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a free agent on July 1. In 47 games last season with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, he scored 16 goals and nine assists for 25 points. He has yet to play in an NHL game. Not really much to say about this signing, as it's really just a depth move for the Maple Leafs. Hamilton is not a bad special teams player and can chip in goals from time to time. If he does make the the team next season, it will likely be on the fourth line.

Avalanche Sign Goaltender Budaj, Forward Koci to One-Year Deals

The Colorado Avalanche have announced that they have signed goaltender Peter Budaj and left wing David Koci to one-year contract extensions. Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. Both players would have been unrestricted free agents on July 1. In 15 games last season with the Avalanche, Budaj posted a 5-5-2 record, one shutout, a 2.64 GAA, and a .917 save percentage. Koci appeared in 43 games with the Avalanche last season, scoring one goal and adding 84 penalty minutes. These aren't bad depth signings for the Avalanche. Even though he struggled as the starting goaltender, Budaj has been fairly steady as a backup in Colorado. Along with starter Craig Anderson, the team has a fair amount of talent in goal for next season. Koci is a very tough and gritty forward who will stand up for his teammates. Look for him to continue to play the enforcer role in Colorado next season, but don't expect a lot of offensive production from him.

Ducks Sign Defenseman Brookbank to Two-Year Extension

The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they have signed defenseman Sheldon Brookbank to a two-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 66 games with the Ducks last season, he had nine assists and 114 penalty minutes. In 157 career NHL games with the Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, and Anaheim Ducks, he has one goal and 21 assists for 22 points and 265 penalty minutes. This is not a bad depth signing for the Ducks. Brookbank is a very physical and rugged defenseman who will not hesitate to stand up for his teammates. Despite taking bad penalties on occasion, he is still a very tough player who will likely be the Ducks' sixth or seventh defenseman next season.

Canucks Sign Goaltender Schneider to Two-Year Extension

The Vancouver Canucks have announced that they have signed goaltender Cory Schneider to a two-year contract extension worth $1.8 million. The deal averages out to $900,000 per season. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. In two games last season with the Canucks, he posted a 0-1-0 record, with a 3.80 GAA and a .915 save percentage. He also appeared in 60 games last season with Manitoba of the AHL, posting a 35-23-2 record, four shutouts, a 2.51 GAA, and a .919 save percentage. Not a bad signing for the Canucks, as Schneider is a very talented goalie with a lot of upside. However, with Luongo as the starter for the foreseeable future, the Canucks will probably never get to use Schneider to his full potential. He's a very quick goaltender who plays the butterfly position very well and covers a lot of space in goal with his size. Schneider will be the backup in Vancouver next season, so Andrew Raycroft will not be re-signed. The Canucks will likely spend the next two season building up Schneider's trade value to get the most out of him and likely trade him by the second year of his contract. With Luongo's new 12-year contract kicking in next season, Schneider will be the odd man out in goal for the Canucks by the time his contract ends.

Red Wings Sign Defenseman Lidstrom to One-Year Extension

The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have signed defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom to a one-year contract extension worth $6.2 million. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In all 82 games last season with the Red Wings, Lidstrom scored nine goals and 40 assists for 49 points. In 12 playoff games, he added four goals and six assists for 10 points. In 1412 career NHL games over 17 seasons, all with Detroit, he has 237 goals and 809 assists for 1046 points. He has won four Stanley Cups with Detroit (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008), the Norris Trophy six times as the league's top defenseman (2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008), the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP (2002), and an Olympic gold medal (2006). This is an excellent signing for the Red Wings, as Lidstrom is easily the best defenseman in the NHL today and one of the greatest defenseman of all-time. He is an extremely intelligent offensive defenseman with a very accurate shot. He is also great in the defensive zone and is an excellent skater. Lidstrom had been contemplating retirement in recent months, but stated that he was leaning toward playing at least one more season. The $6.2 million he will make next season is a great price for a defenseman of his caliber, as he could easily command $8 million or more per season. Also, by taking a a bit of a pay cut from the $7.4 million he made last season, the gives the Red Wings some extra salary cap space to re-sign some impending free agents and perhaps add a depth player or two via free agency.

Sharks Sign Defenseman Moore to Two-Year Extension

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have signed defenseman Mike Moore to a two-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. In 64 games last season with the Worcester Sharks of the AHL, he had three goals and 19 assists for 22 points and 82 penalty minutes. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This signing actually happened way back in February, so I'm not sure how I missed it. It's really nothing more than a depth signing for the Sharks. Moore has plenty of size and is a physical, defensive blueliner, but given the team's depth on defense for next season, he will likely spend all or most of it in the minors. If he does get called up by the Sharks, it will be if injuries start to mount on their defense.