Blackhawks Trade Byfuglien, Sopel to Thrashers in Multi-Player Deal

The Atlanta Thrashers announced early Thursday that they have acquired left wing Dustin Byfuglien, defenseman Brent Sopel, left wing Ben Eager, and prospect right wing Akim Aliu from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for center Marty Reasoner, prospect left wing Jeremy Morin, right wing Joey Crabb, and the 24th and 54th overall picks in the 2010 Entry Draft. The two picks Chicago gets in the deal were acquired from New Jersey in the trade that sent Ilya Kovalchuk to the New Jersey Devils. In all 82 games last season with the Blackhawks, Byfuglien had 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points and 94 penalty minutes. He also added 11 goals and five assists for 16 points in 22 playoff games. Sopel had one goal and seven assists for eight points in 73 games, while Eager had seven goals and nine assists for 16 points and 120 penalty minutes in 60 games. Aliu had 11 goals and six assists for 17 points in 48 games with Rockford of the AHL. He also appeared in 13 games with Toledo of the ECHL, scoring five goals and nine assists for 14 points.

Reasoner appeared in 80 games with the Thrashers last season, scoring four goals and 13 assists for 17 points. Morin played in 58 games with Kitchener of the OHL, scoring 47 goals and 36 assists for 83 points, while Crabb had 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 points in 79 games with Chicago of the AHL.

It's not a bad move for both teams. The Thrashers get a decent forward in Byfuglien, who can also play defense. He has plenty of offensive potential and can play a little physical. Sopel will give Atlanta some veteran depth on the blueline, while Eager brings some toughness to the team. They get a decent prospect in Aliu, who has some scoring potential and some toughness. For the Blackhawks, it is essentially a salary dumping trade, as they are currently operating at the salary cap ceiling and still have to re-sign Antti Niemi, Niklas Hjalmarsson, and Andrew Ladd, who has been the subject of trade rumors recently. Adding Marty Reasoner gives the team an experienced center, while Jeremy Morin gives the Blackhawks a talented prospect forward. Crabb is an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and it remains to be seen if the Blackhawks have any plans on signing him. The two draft picks will give the team an opportunity to add more future talent to the organization. This trade will free up about $4 million in cap space for the Blackhawks, which will give them some relief, but they may have to move some more salary to comfortably fit all their players under the salary cap.

Thrashers Deal Sterling, Vernace to Sharks

The Atlanta Thrashers have announced that they have traded left wing Breet Sterling, defenseman Michael Vernace, and a seventh round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for future considerations. This trade was facilitated in order for the Thrashers to get under 50 NHL contracts in order to complete the Dustin Byfuglien trade with Chicago. Sterling is eligible for unrestricted free agency and Vernace for restricted free agency on July 1. Not much to say about this trade other than it was done to help the Thrashers complete their trade with the Blackhawks. It remains to be seen if the Sharks will give Vernace a qualifying offer or attempt to sign Sterling.

2010 NHL Award Nominees & Winners

Here is a list of the NHL players who will be up for awards for the 2009-2010 season. The NHL Awards Ceremony will take place on June 23 in Las Vegas. The finalists for each trophy will be listed as the NHL announces them over the course of the next week. The winners of each award will be in bold and italics.

PLAYER AWARDS

ART ROSS TROPHY - Top Point Scorer
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks - 112 points

MAURICE "ROCKET" RICHARD TROPHY - Top Goal Scorer
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins & Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning - 51 goals

WILLIAM M. JENNINGS TROPHY - Fewest Goals Allowed
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils - 168 goals allowed

VEZINA TROPHY - Top Goaltender
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils
Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY - Top Defensive Forward
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh Penguins

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY - Skill/Sportsmanship
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Brad Richards, Dallas Stars
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY - Top Rookie
Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche
Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
Tyler Myers, Buffalo Sabres

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY - Top Defenseman
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
Mike Green, Washington Capitals
Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

BILL MASTERTON MEMORIAL TROPHY - Perseverance & Dedication to Hockey
Kurtis Foster, Tampa Bay Lightning
Jed Ortmeyer, San Jose Sharks
Jose Theodore, Washington Capitals

NHL FOUNDATION PLAYER AWARD - Contributions to Charitable Causes
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings
Mike Green, Washington Capitals
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

JACK ADAMS AWARD - Top Head Coach
Joe Sacco, Colorado Avalanche
Dave Tippett, Phoenix Coyotes
Barry Trotz, Nashville Predators

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY - League MVP
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

TED LINDSAY AWARD (Formerly Lester B. Pearson Award) - MVP Voted by the NHLPA
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD - Top General Manager (1st year of award)
Don Maloney, Phoenix Coyotes
George McPhee, Washington Capitals
David Poile, Nashville Predators

MARK MESSIER LEADERSHIP AWARD - Top Leader in Hockey
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

KING CLANCY TROPHY - Humanitarian Contribution to Hockey
Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes

CONN SMYTHE TROPHY - Playoff MVP
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks


TEAM AWARDS

PRESIDENTS TROPHY - Top Team Based on Points
Washington Capitals - 121 Pts.

PRINCE OF WALES TROPHY - Eastern Conference Champions
Philadelphia Flyers

CLARENCE S. CAMPBELL TROPHY - Western Conference Champions
Chicago Blackhawks

STANLEY CUP - League Champions
Chicago Blackhawks


NHL ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Jimmy Howard, G - Detroit Red Wings
Michael Del Zotto, D - New York Rangers
Tyler Myers, D - Buffalo Sabres
Niclas Bergfors, RW - Atlanta Thrashers
John Tavares, C - New York Islanders
Matt Duchene, C - Colorado Avalanche

Penguins Sign Forward Cooke to Three-Year Extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Tuesday that they have signed left wing Matt Cooke to a three-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 79 games last season with the Penguins, Cooke had 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points and 106 penalty minutes. In 738 career NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, and Pittsburgh Penguins, he has 114 goals and 157 assists for 271 points and 859 penalty minutes. He won the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 2009. Not a bad signing for the Penguins, as Cooke is a very tough and physical forward who is quickly becoming one of the top agitators in the league. He's a good open-ice hitter, but has earned the ire of many hockey fans for some very questionable and dirty hits, particularly the hit that resulted in Boston Bruins center Marc Savard missing the last 18 games of the 2009-10 season and six playoff games with a concussion. Still, he's a decent third line forward for the Penguins and will continue to bring lots of grit to their lineup for the next three years.

Wild Sign Newly Acquired Staubitz to Two-Year Deal

The Minnesota Wild announced on Tuesday that they have signed newly acquired right wing Brad Staubitz to a two-year contract worth $1.15 million. The deal averages out to $575,000 per season. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by the Wild from the San Jose Sharks on June 21 for a 5th round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 47 games last season with the Sharks, Staubitz had three goals and three assists for six points and 110 penalty minutes. He missed 19 games with a facial injury. Not much more to say that I already said yesterday after the Wild acquired Staubitz. He plays with lots of toughness and is a very physical forward. Plus, he's a very versatile player, as he can play both the wing and defense. Staubitz will likely become the Wild's new enforcer, which means that current enforcer Derek Boogaard, who is an unrestricted free agent on July 1, is likely headed for the open market.

Canadiens Sign Forward Darche to One-Year Deal

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Tuesday that they have signed left wing Mathieu Darche to a one-year contract extension worth $550,000. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 29 games last season with the Canadiens, Darche scored five goals and five assists for 10 points. He also appeared in 32 games with Hamilton of the AHL, scoring 16 goals and nine assists for 25 points. Not a bad depth move for the Canadiens, as Darche is a hard working forward who has good size for the NHL level. He will be a good, affordable addition to the Canadiens' fourth line next season.

Canadiens Sign Tomas Plekanec to Six-Year Deal

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed forward Tomas Plekanec to a six-year contract extension worth $30 million. The deal averages out to $5 million per season. There is also a no-trade clause in the contract. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In all 82 games last season with the Canadiens, Plekanec had 25 goals and 45 assists for 70 points. He also added four goals and seven assists in 19 playoff games. In 393 career NHL games, all with the Canadiens, he has 103 goals and 151 assists for 254 points. This is not a bad signing for the Canadiens as long as Plekanec can remain a consistent scorer for the team. He is a good two-way forward with plenty of speed and playmaking skills and is good on the faceoff, but he has battled some inconsistency over the past few seasons. The Canadiens would have been better off signing him to a short-term contract for around $3 million per season in the event that Plekanec's numbers don't remain consistent.

Defenseman Scott Niedermayer Announces Retirement

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer announced his retirement this afternoon at a press conference at the Honda Centre in Anaheim less than four months after helping lead Canada to an Olympic gold medal in Vancouver. Niedermayer had been pondering retirement since the end of the 2006-07 season, but every year decided to keep on playing. In 80 games last season with the Ducks, he had 10 goals and 38 assists for 48 points. In 1263 career NHL games with the New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks, he had 172 goals and 568 assists for 740 points. Niedermayer won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Devils in 1995, 2000, and 2003, and as a member of the Ducks in 2007. He won the Norris Trophy in 2004 as the league's top defenseman and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2007. He has also won Olympic gold medals in 2002 and 2010. It doesn't surprise me that Niedermayer is hanging up the skates as he's hinted at retirement over the past couple seasons. He was a excellent defenseman throughout his career and one of the best in the league over the past couple decades. He was a proven leader on the ice, had superb defensive skills, and provided lots of offense from the blueline. He accomplished a lot throughout his career and should easily be elected to the Hall of Fame the first year he is eligible. Niedermayer's presence on the blueline will be missed in Anaheim and the rest of the league.

Panthers Deal Nathan Horton to Boston

The Florida Panthers announced today that they have shipped forwards Nathan Horton and Greg Campbell to the Boston Bruins in exchange for defenseman Dennis Wideman, the 15th overall pick in the 2010 Entry Draft, and a third round pick in 2011. Horton's name had begun popping up in trade rumors since the end of the season and more recently his name had been connected with the Bruins. In 65 games last season with the Panthers, Horton had 20 goals and 37 assists for 57 points. He missed 17 games with a fractured leg. In 422 career NHL games, all with the Panthers, he has 142 goals and 153 assists for 295 points. Campbell appeared in 60 games last season with the Panthers, scoring two goals and 15 assists for 17 points and 53 penalty minutes. In 76 games last season with the Bruins, Wideman scored six goals and 24 assists for 30 points. He also added one goal and 11 assists in 13 playoff games. In 378 career NHL games with the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins, he has 46 goals and 119 assists for 165 points.

This is a great move for the Bruins, as Horton is a very skilled forward who has great goal-scoring abilities. He will likely play alongside Marc Savard on the Bruins' first line, which will give them the scoring punch that they have been looking for. Campbell gives the Bruins a gritty, defensive minded forward who is good on the penalty kill. He should be a good fit on their third line. Wideman brings the Panthers a decent puck-moving defenseman who can score goals and excels on the power play. With Bryan McCabe, Keith Ballard, and now Wideman on the blueline, the Panthers boast plenty of offensive contributors on defense and should be much improved in that area next season.

Penguins Sign Defenseman Lovejoy to Three-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they have signed defenseman Ben Lovejoy to a three-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1. In 12 games last season with the Penguins, he had three assists. He also appeared in 65 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, scoring nine goals and 20 assists for 29 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Penguins, as Lovejoy is a very mobile defenseman who moves the puck well and has some offensive upside. Depending on what moves the Penguins make this summer of defense, Lovejoy could crack the lineup next season as a sixth or seventh defenseman.

Wild Acquire Forward Staubitz from Sharks

The Minnesota Wild announced today that they have acquired right wing Brad Staubitz from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. He is eligible to become a restricted free agent on July 1. In 47 games last season with the Sharks, Staubitz had three goals and three assists for six points and 110 penalty minutes. He missed 19 games with a facial injury. Not a bad move for the Wild, as Staubitz plays with lots of toughness and is a very physical forward. Plus, he's a very versatile player, as he can play both the wing and defense. Staubitz had really fallen off the depth chart in San Jose and was a healthy scratch at times last season, so it comes as no surprise that they traded him. By landing in Minnesota, he will likely become their new enforcer, which means that current enforcer Derek Boogaard, who is an unrestricted free agent on July 1, is likely headed for the open market.

Coyotes Sign Forward Pyatt to Two-Year Extension

The Phoenix Coyotes announced today that they have signed left wing Taylor Pyatt 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 74 games last season with the Coyotes, Pyatt had 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points. In 606 career NHL games with the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, and Phoenix Coyotes, he has 103 goals and 111 assists for 214 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Coyotes, as Pyatt brings plenty of veteran depth to their offense. He also has great size and had some defensive awareness. He will be a good addition to the Coyotes lineup for the next two years.

Devils Acquire Center Jason Arnott from Predators

The New Jersey Devils announced today that they have acquired center Jason Arnott from the Nashville Predators in exchange for prospect right wing Matt Halischuk and a second round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. This will be Arnott's second stint with the Devils, where he previously played from 1997 to 2002. In 63 games last season with the Predators, Arnott had 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points. In 1099 career NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Dallas Stars, and Nashville Predators, he has 383 goals and 490 assists for 873 points. Halischuk played in 20 games last season with the Devils, scoring one goal and one assist. He also appeared in 32 games with Lowell of the AHL, scoring 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. Not a bad trade for the Devils, as Arnott still brings plenty of offensive skill, toughness, and leadership to the team despite being limited by injuries in recent seasons. Again, the Predators are essentially making a cost-cutting trade to help save money, although it was unlikely Arnott would have remained in Nashville beyond next season. By trading Arnott and his $4.5 million salary, it gives the team some salary cap space to re-sign Dustin Boyd, Patric Hornqvist, Denis Grebeshkov, Cody Franson, and Ryan Parent. Halischuk brings some two-way skill and offensive upside to the team, so it's possible he could be in the lineup next season. Plus, at $875,000, he's a very affordable winger. Given the departures of star players in Dan Hamhuis and Jason Arnott both on the same day, one can't help but wonder if the Predators will attempt to retain defensemen Shea Weber and Ryan Suter when their contracts expire in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Flyers Acquire Hamhuis from Predators for Parent

The Philadelphia Flyers added some defensive depth today by acquiring the rights to defenseman Dan Hamhuis from the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Ryan Parent. The Flyers also received a conditional seventh round draft pick in 2011 from the Predators. Hamhuis is eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1 with the Flyers now owning his negotiating rights. In 78 games last season with the Predators, Hamhuis had five goals and 19 assists for 24 points. In 483 career NHL games, all with Nashville, he has 32 goals and 129 assists for 161 points. Parent will begin his second stint with the Predators, while previously a part of the organization in 2007. He was traded to the Flyers with Scottie Upshall in the Peter Forsberg trade. In 48 games last season with the Flyers, Parent had one goal and two assists for three points. This is a good trade for the Flyers if they can get Hamhuis sign to a contract. He's a decent puck moving defenseman who can play a great defensive game. If the Flyers get him signed to a contract, they will have one of the best defensive units in the Eastern Conference, which already boasts Chris Pronger, Kimmo Timonen, Braydon Coburn, and Matt Carle. For the Predators, they get a defensive defenseman in Parent who can also play a physical game. However, this trade highlights the Predators' financial woes, who are gaining a reputation for letting talent depart via trade or free agency in order to save money. With the team operating in this manner, it will do nothing to help draw fans to games and will only cause their attendance figures to dwindle even further.

Blues Sign Forward D'Agostini to New Contract

The St. Louis Blues have announced that they have signed right wing Matt D'Agostini to a one-year contract worth $550,000. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. The Blues acquired the 23-year-old forward on March 2 from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Aaron Palushaj. In 47 games last season with the Canadiens and Blues, he had two goals and two assists for four points. He also appeared in three games with Hamilton of the AHL, scoring one assist. Not a bad depth signing for the Blues. D'Agostini owns some scoring potential and is decent on the power play, but is also an inconsistent scorer. If given a chance by St. Louis, he could develop into a scoring forward.

Ducks Sign Chipchura to One-Year Contract

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that they have signed center Kyle Chipchura to a one-year contract worth $650,000. He was eligible to become a restricted free agent on July 1. The Ducks acquired the 24-year-old forward from the Montreal Canadiens last December for a fourth round draft pick in 2011. In 74 games last season with the Canadiens and Ducks, he had six goals and six assists for 12 points. Not a bad move for the Ducks to make for an affordable third or fourth line forward. Chipchura has decent size and plays with plenty of toughness, but has not turned into the offensive player he was projected to be in Montreal. Perhaps the change in scenery will help him improve his game.

Coyotes Sign Defenseman Aucoin to Two-Year Extension

The Phoenix Coyotes announced on Thursday that they have signed defenseman Adrian Aucoin to a two-year contract extension worth $4 million. The deal will pay him $1.8 million next season and $2.2 million during the 2011-12 season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In all 82 games last season with the Coyotes, Aucoin had eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points. In 933 career NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, and Phoenix Coyotes, he has 116 goals and 248 assists for 364 points. This is a good move for the Coyotes, as Aucoin still has decent puck-moving skills and is a proven leader on the ice. He was a good addition for the Coyotes last summer and should maintain that success over the next two seasons.

Avalanche Re-Sign Forward Porter & Defenseman Macias

The Colorado Avalanche announced on Thursday that they have signed right wing Kevin Porter and defenseman Ray Macias to one-year contract extensions. Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. Both players were eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. The Avalanche acquired Porter at the March 3 trade deadline from the Phoenix Coyotes along with forward Peter Mueller in exchange for forward Wojtek Wolski. In 20 games last season with the Coyotes and Avalanche, he had two goals and one assist for three points. Porter also appeared in 56 games with San Antonio and Lake Erie of the AHL, scoring 16 goals and 25 assists for 41 points. Macias played in 52 games with Lake Erie last season, scoring seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points. He did not appear in any NHL games during the 2009-10 season. These aren't bad depth signings for the Avalanche. Porter has plenty of offensive upside and is a very versatile player, as he can play all three forward positions. The only knock against him is that he is not very consistent in his scoring. Macias has good offensive instincts and is a decent puck-moving defenseman, so he should be a decent fit on the Avalanche blueline if he makes the team next season.

Blues Acquire Hensick from Avalanche for Talbot

Just hours after acquiring goaltender Jaroslav Halak from the Montreal Canadiens, the St. Louis Blues acquired center T.J. Hensick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for prospect center Julian Talbot. In seven games with the Avalanche last season, Hensick had one goal and two assists for three points. He also appeared in 58 games for Lake Erie of the AHL, scoring 20 goals and 50 assists for 70 points. Talbot played in 76 games with Peoria of the AHL last season, scoring 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Not a bad depth move for the Blues, as Hensick has plenty of speed and some offensive upside. The Avalanche never gave him much of a chance to prove himself, so a new environment might be what Hensick needs to get his career on track. Talbot has some offensive skill, but likely won't see much, if any, time with the Avalanche next season given their depth on offense.

Canadiens Deal Halak to Blues for Eller, Schultz

In a surprising trade this afternoon, the Montreal Canadiens have dealt goaltender Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for prospect forwards Lars Eller and Ian Schultz. The move comes approximately one month after Halak helped lead the Canadiens to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were defeated in five games by the Philadelphia Flyers. In 45 games last season with the Canadiens, Halak went 26-13-5, posted five shutouts, a 2.40 GAA, and a .924 save percentage. Eller appeared in seven games with the Blues last season, scoring two goals. He also played in 70 games with Peoria of the AHL, scoring 18 goals and 39 assists for 57 points. Schultz appeared in 70 games last season with Calgary of the WHL, scoring 24 goals and 31 assists for 55 points and 150 penalty minutes. This is a great trade for the Blues, as Halak's fine play in the regular season and playoffs has made him a great starting goaltender, so he should be an excellent fit for the team. However, I'm really surprised the Canadiens decided to trade Halak in the end. Price seemed like the odd man out after struggling during the regular season and after Halak's stellar performance in the playoffs. The pressure is definitely going to be on Price next season to carry the Canadiens, and if he fails to improve his play, the team is going to be in trouble in net. Eller has really good playmaking skills and plenty of offensive upside, so he should be a good fit on the Canadiens in the future. Schultz has plenty of offensive skill and toughness, so he should be able to crack Montreal's lineup down the road.

Predators Sign Defenseman Bouillon to Two-Year Deal

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have signed defenseman Francis Bouillon to a two-year contract extension worth $2.7 million. The deal will pay him $1.2 million in the first year and $1.5 million in the second year. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 81 games last season with the Predators, Bouillon had three goals and eight assists for 11 points. In 566 career NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators, he has 24 goals and 89 assists for 113 points. Not a bad move for the Predators, as Bouillon plays very hard every shift on the ice and doesn't shy away from physical play. He will help keep the team competitive on the blueline for the next two seasons.

Red Wings Sign Bertuzzi to Two-Year Extension

The Detroit Red Wings announced Wednesday night that they have signed right wing Todd Bertuzzi to a two-year contract extension worth $3.875 million. The deal averages out to just under $2 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 82 games last season with the Red Wings, Bertuzzi had 18 goals and 26 assists for 44 points and 80 penalty minutes. He also added two goals and nine assists for 11 points in 12 playoff games. In 941 career NHL games with the New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, and Detroit Red Wings, he has 273 goals and 395 assists for 668 points and 1301 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Red Wings, as Bertuzzi is still capable of scoring goals and plays with plenty of toughness despite having a reputation for taking bad penalties. However, at just under $2 million per season, he's a good bargain for a player who is capable of scoring 20 goals and 50 points per season.

NY Rangers Agree to Terms With Forward Newbury

The New York Rangers announced today that they have agreed to terms with center Kris Newbury on a contract extension. The exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Rangers acquired Newbury on March 3 from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for forward Jordan Owens. In four games last season with the Red Wings, he had one goal. He also appeared in 70 games with Grand Rapids and Hartford of the AHL, scoring 15 goals and 36 assists for 51 points and 205 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Rangers, as Newbury's offensive abilities at the NHL level are very limited. However, he plays with lots of toughness and can score points at lower levels, making him an ideal signing for their AHL affiliate in Hartford. If he does see any NHL action next season, it will on the fourth line as an injury replacement.

Wild Sign Sheppard to One-Year Contract

The Minnesota Wild announced today that they have signed center James Sheppard to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 64 games last season with the Wild, Sheppard had two goals and four assists for six points. In 224 career NHL games, all with Minnesota, he has 11 goals and 38 assists for 49 points. This is nothing more than a depth signing at best for the Wild, as Sheppard has struggled mightily at the NHL level. While he has sound two-way skills and plenty of offensive potential, Sheppard has been very inconsistent and, in my opinion, was rushed into the NHL too quickly. He should have played at least a couple seasons in the AHL so he could be better prepared for the NHL. If he does not improve his play next season, the Wild should consider trading him while they can still get something acceptable in return. A fresh start with a new team might be what Sheppard needs to get his NHL career back on track.

Canadiens Buy Out Final Year of Laraque's Contract

The Montreal Canadiens officially parted ways with right wing and enforcer Georges Laraque yesterday by buying out the final year of his three-year contract. The buyout was for $1 million, which will be spread out over two seasons at $500,000 per season. The Canadiens first announced they were going to buy out Laraque on January 21 when it was announced he had become a distraction to the team. He remained on the roster for the remainder of the season, but did not play in any games or participate in practices. In 28 games last season with the Canadiens, Laraque had one goal and two assists for three points and 28 penalty minutes. In 695 career NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Montreal Canadiens, he has 53 goals and 100 assists for 153 points and 1126 penalty minutes. He has been in and out of the lineup the past few seasons with back problems. This could very well spell the end of Laraque's NHL career, as he has not played the enforcer role very well in recent seasons. He has been reluctant to drop the gloves and defend teammates and does not play as physical as he used to. Most teams will likely pass on Laraque once free agency starts, but if he can prove he is willing to play the enforcer role, he might get a training camp invitation later this summer from a team looking to add some toughness.