Sabres Re-Sign Matt Ellis, Add Colin Stuart

The Buffalo Sabres have announced that they have re-signed left wing Matt Ellis to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The team also announced that they have signed free agent left wing Colin Stuart to a one-year, two-way contract worth $550,000. These aren't bad depth signings for the Sabres. Ellis is a hard worker on the ice and has some two-way skill, making him an effective fourth line forward for the team. Stuart has good size and plays with lots of energy. However, he will likely spend most of next season in the minors, but could see some action with the team if injuries should start to mount.

Star Re-Sign Defenseman Grossman to Two-Year Deal

The Dallas Stars have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Nicklas Grossman to a two-year contract worth $3.25 million. The deal averages out to $1.625 million per season. In 71 games last season with the Stars, he had seven assists. Not a bad signing for Dallas, as Grossman gives the team a capable defensive defenseman. He has good size and is decent on the penalty kill, making him an effective fifth or sixth defenseman.

Kings Sign Willie Mitchell to Two-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have signed defenseman Willie Mitchell to a two-year contract worth $7 million. The deal averages out to $3.5 million per season. In 48 games last season with the Vancouver Canucks, he had four goals and eight assists for 12 points and 48 penalty minutes. He missed the last 34 games of the 2009-10 season and all 12 of Vancouver's playoff games after suffering a concussion on January 16 after being checked into the end boards by Evgeni Malkin in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Not a bad signing for the Kings, as Mitchell has excellent defensive skill on the blueline. He also plays with lots of grit and toughness and is a great shutdown defenseman. Also, his leadership skills will be invaluable to the relatively young Kings' roster.

Canucks Sign Raffi Torres to One-Year Contract

The Vancouver Canucks have added some toughness to their lineup by signing left wing Raffi Torres to a one-year contract worth $1 million. In 74 games last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Buffalo Sabres, he had 19 goals and 17 assists for 36 points and 34 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Canucks, as Torres has some offensive skill, plays with lots of grit and toughness, and has some skill on the power play. He should be a decent third line forward for Vancouver.

Thrashers Sign Bryan Little to Three-Year Deal

The Atlanta Thrashers have announced that they have re-signed right wing Bryan Little to a three-year contract worth $7.15 million. The deal averages out to $2.38 million per season. In 79 games last season with the Thrashers, he had 13 goals and 21 assists for 34 points. This is a decent signing for Atlanta, as Little has lots of offensive potential. Despite struggling offensively last season, he is a good playmaker, has a decent shot, and has some defensive instincts. Look for Little to bounce back after a poor 2009-10 season and have a decent 2010-11 season.

Penguins Sign Forward Asham to One-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that they have signed right wing Arron Asham to a one-year contract worth $700,000. In 72 games last season with the Philadelphia Flyers, he had 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points and 126 penalty minutes. He missed five games last November with an oblique injury. Not a bad signing for the Penguins, as Asham will bring plenty of grit and toughness to their lineup, as well as a little bit of offense.

Panthers Sign Andrew Peters to One-Year Deal

The Florida Panthers have announced that they have signed left wing Andrew Peters to a one-year, two-way contract worth $500,000. He was placed on waivers by the New Jersey Devils on June 30 and had his contract bought out on July 1 after he cleared waivers, making him an unrestricted free agent. In 29 games last season with the Devils, Peters had no points and 93 penalty minutes. He was a healthy scratch for much of the 2009-10 season. This is an okay signing for the Panthers, as Peters will bring some much needed toughness to the team. However, he doesn't have any offensive upside and isn't a very good skater, so if he makes the team for the 2010-11 season, it will likely be as a fourth line enforcer.

Thrashers Sign Defenseman Freddy Meyer

The Atlanta Thrashers have announced that they have signed defenseman Freddy Meyer to a one-year, two-way contract worth $500,000. In 64 games last season with the New York Islanders, he had four goals and 11 assists for 15 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Thrashers, as Meyer will bring some veteran experience to the team. He can chip in offensively from time to time and should provide sufficient depth as a sixth or seventh defenseman for Atlanta.

Sharks Sign Antti Niemi to One-Year Deal

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have signed goaltender Antti Niemi to a one-year contract worth $2 million, just months after he and the Chicago Blackhawks eliminated the Sharks from the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs. Niemi had received a one-year contract worth $2.75 million in arbitration as a member of the Blackhawks, but the team walked away from the offer and let him become an unrestricted free agent. To replace him, Chicago signed free agent goaltender Marty Turco to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. In 39 games last season with the Blackhawks, Niemi posted a 26-7-4 record, seven shutouts, a 2.25 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. In 22 playoff games, he posted a 16-6 record, two shutouts, a 2.63 GAA, and a .910 save percentage while helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup. This is a great signing for the Sharks, as Niemi has really proven himself as a starting goaltender in the NHL with his Stanley Cup win. He's a solid goaltender with a big frame and can cover much of the net. He will likely split time in net next season with Antero Niittymaki, who was also signed this past summer by the Sharks. Thomas Greiss, who was set to become the backup to Niittymaki, has become the odd man out now in net. He will likely spend much of next season in the minors, unless Niemi or Niittymaki should miss some time with injury.

Canadiens Re-Sign Carey Price to Two-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have re-signed goaltender Carey Price to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million. The deal averages out to $2.75 million per season. The Canadiens and Price had been negotiating a new contract for most of the summer, with speculation that Price wanted a short-term deal, while the Canadiens wanted a long-term deal. Just days ago, it was reported that Price would "go on strike" if he did not receive an offer of at least $3 million per season, but the report was later refuted. He became the undisputed number one goalie in Montreal after playoff hero Jaroslav Halak was traded earlier this summer to the St. Louis Blues for prospects Lars Eller and Ian Schultz. In 41 games last season with the Canadiens, Price posted a 13-20-5 record, with a 2.77 GAA and a .912 save percentage. It's good to see the Canadiens finally get Price signed so all of the drama surrounding the contract negotiations can finally end. Despite struggling last season, he still has plenty of upside as a starting goaltender. He handles the puck well, has plenty of size, and is a sound goalie. However, Price's work ethic has come into question over that past year since he has had trouble handling the pressure of being a star goalie in such a huge hockey market. If he can shrug off some of the pressure, he could really shine in net, but if he continues to let the pressure get to him and he continues to struggle, it will likely lead many to question whether Jaroslav Halak should have been traded at all.

NY Islanders Sign Forward Andy Hilbert

The New York Islanders have announced that they have signed center Andy Hilbert to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In four games last season with the Minnesota Wild, he had no points. He also appeared in 33 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points. This is an okay signing for the Islanders, as Hilbert plays with some grit and has some defensive skill. He will likely fight for a roster spot at training camp, and if he does make the team, it will probably be as the fourth line center.

Canadiens Acquire Ramo from Lightning for Desjardins

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have acquired goaltender Karri Ramo from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for goaltender Cedrick Desjardins. There's not really much to say about this trade other than it is a swap of minor league goalies. Ramo could possibly see some NHL action in the near future depending if the Canadiens have any injuries during the 2010-11 season or depending on how long it takes the team to re-sign starting goaltender Carey Price. Given the depth in goal for the Lightning next season, he will likely spend all of the 2010-11 season in the AHL.

Capitals to Re-Sign Eric Belanger

The Washington Capitals have announced that they have agreed to a deal in principle with center Eric Belanger. The deal is for one year and is worth $1.85 million. The only thing holding up the official announcement of the signing is that the Capitals are trying to make some roster changes, with Tomas Fleischmann's name popping up in trade rumors. Belanger was acquired at the March 3 trade deadline from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 77 games last season, he had 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points. This will be a good move for the Capitals, as Belanger is a decent two-way center. He's also good on faceoffs and has an excellent defensive game, making him a decent third line center for the team.

Lightning Re-Sign Downie, Simek; Add Randy Jones

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have re-signed right wing Steve Downie to a two-year contract worth $3.7 million and left wing Juraj Simek to a one-year, two-way contract. Downie's contract averages out to $1.85 million per season, while the financial terms of Simek's deal were not disclosed. The team also announced that they have signed defenseman Randy Jones to a one-year contract. Financial terms of his deal were not disclosed. These aren't bad signings for the Lightning. Downie has some offensive potential and is a very agitating winger who plays with lots of toughness. The only downside to his physical style of play is that he takes bad penalties and has earned occasional suspensions. Jones has some offensive skill on the blueline and is a good puck-handler. He should be a good fit on Tampa Bay's defense next season. Simek is really just a depth signing for the team and will likely spend most of next season in the minors, where he will provide plenty of offensive depth for Norfolk of the AHL.

Flames Re-Sign Craig Conroy to One-Year Deal

The Calgary Flames have announced that they have re-signed center Craig Conroy to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 63 games last season with the Flames, he had three goals and 12 assists for 15 points. He missed 19 games in 2009-10 with knee and foot injuries. Not a bad depth signing for Calgary, as Conroy has always been a fairly steady two-way player on the team. He's also good on the faceoff, plays with some grit, and is good at killing penalties. However, given his age and decline in production, he will likely have to earn a roster spot on the team at training camp.

Blackhawks Re-Sign Hendry, Boynton; Add Pisani

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have re-signed defensemen Jordan Hendry and Nick Boynton to one-year contracts. The financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. The team also announced that they have signed free agent right wing Fernando Pisani to a one-year contract worth $750,000. Hendry and Boynton aren't bad depth signings for the Blackhawks. Hendry plays with a little toughness and is a capable defensive defenseman, while Boynton also plays with lots of grit and toughness and has good size. Boynton will likely be a sixth defenseman for the team next season, while Hendry may have to compete for a roster spot at training camp, but still could end up being the seventh defenseman. Pisani is an okay signing for the Blackhawks, as he will bring plenty of veteran depth to the forward lines, as well as some two-way play. However, he is not a very consistent scorer and is prone to injury. Right now he is currently suffering back spasms, which could keep him out of the lineup when the regular season starts, depending on how severe they are.

Blue Jackets Re-Sign Blunden, Add Guite

The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that they have re-signed right wing Mike Blunden to a one-year contract. The team also announced they have signed center Ben Guite to a one-year contract. The financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. In 40 games last season with the Blue Jackets, Blunden had two goals and two assists for four points. Guite appeared in six games with the Nashville Predators last season, scoring no points. He also appeared in 64 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points. Blunden is an okay signing for Columbus, as he plays with some toughness and has lots of size. He will likely fill a fourth line role with the team next season. Guite plays with some grit, is a decent penalty killer, and has some defensive skill. If he makes the team for the 2010-11 season, it will likely be as a fourth line center.

Oilers Sign Goaltender Martin Gerber to One-Year Contract

The Edmonton Oilers have added some goaltending depth to their club by signing Martin Gerber to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 30 games last season with Atlant Mytischi of the KHL, he posted a 15-6-6 record, two shutouts, a 2.19 GAA, and a .914 save percentage. He last played in the NHL during the 2008-09 season with the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs. Not a bad depth signing for the Oilers, as Gerber will add some much needed veteran depth in goal. He's a very mobile goaltender with a good glove despite being a bit undersized. However, he should be able to jump into the lineup easily if Jeff Deslauriers or Nikolai Khabibulin should succumb to injury. With Khabibulin set to serve 30 days in jail for a drunk driving conviction, he will miss training camp and likely most of the preseason. If Khabibulin is not ready to begin playing by the start of the 2010-11 season, Gerber could start the season as the backup.

Predators Re-Sign Hornqvist and Dekanich

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have re-signed right wing Patric Hornqvist to a three-year contract worth $9.25 million and goaltender Mark Dekanich to a one-year, two-way contract worth $550,000. Hornqvist's deal averages out to $3.083 million per season. In 80 games last season with the Predators, he had 30 goals and 21 assists for 51 points. The Hornqvist signing is a good one for the Predators, as he is a very promising young forward who will look to improve even more next season. He has lots of offensive upside and is a very shifty player, making him a very effective top-six forward for the team. Dekanich isn't a bad signing for the Predators, as he has good size and the potential to become a backup goaltender at the NHL level. With no other goaltender set to back up Pekka Rinne next season, Dekanich could become the likely candidate to fill that role, although he will likely have some competition at training camp unless the team signs a more experienced backup goaltender between now and the start of the regular season.

Red Wings Sign Defenseman Salei to One-Year Deal

The Detroit Red Wings have announced that they have signed defenseman Ruslan Salei to a one-year contract worth $750,000. In 14 games last season with the Colorado Avalanche, he had one goal and five assists for six points and 10 penalty minutes. He missed most of the 2009-10 season with a back injury. This is not a bad signing for the Red Wings, as Salei will bring plenty of veteran depth to their blueline. He plays with plenty of toughness, can chip in offensively from time to time, and can play a lot of minutes, making him an effective fifth or sixth defenseman for the team.

Ducks Re-Sign Teemu Selanne to One-Year Deal

The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they have re-signed right wing Teemu Selanne to a one-year contract worth $3.25 million. He had spent part of the off-season mulling retirement, but opted to come back for at least one more season. In 54 games last season with the Ducks, Selanne had 27 goals and 21 assists for 48 points. He missed 17 games in December and January with a left hand injury and eight games in January and February with a broken jaw. In 1186 career NHL games with the Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Colorado Avalanche, Selanne has 606 goals and 654 assists for 1260 points. He won the Stanley Cup in 2007 with Anaheim, the Calder Trophy in 1993 as the league's top rookie, the Rocket Richard Trophy in 1999 as the league's goals leader, and the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2006 for perseverance and dedication to hockey. This is an excellent signing for the Ducks, as Selanne is still an exceptionally skilled forward. He has lots of speed, great hands, is an excellent skater, and has lots of offensive skill. He will continue to play a top-six role with the team next season, and will also likely serve as a mentor for some of the younger players.

Wild Sign Center Madden to One-Year Contract

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have signed center John Madden to a one-year contract worth $1 million. In 79 games last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, he had 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points. He also added one goal and one assist in 22 playoff games while helping Chicago win the Stanley Cup. Madden also won the Stanley Cup in 2000 and 2003 as a member of the New Jersey Devils and also won the Selke Trophy in 2001 as the league's top defensive forward. Not a bad signing for the Wild, as Madden will bring lots of two-way skill to the forward lines. He's also a great shutdown player, is excellent on the penalty kill, and has some speed, making him an effective checking line forward for the Wild next season.

Panthers Acquire Mike Santorelli from Predators, Then Sign Him to One-Year Deal

The Florida Panthers have announced that they have acquired center Mike Santorelli from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a conditional fifth round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. A week after the trade was made, the Panthers then announced that they had signed Santorelli to a one-year contract worth $600,000. In 25 games last season with the Predators, he had two goals and one assist for three points. He also appeared in 57 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points. This is not a bad depth move for the Panthers, as Santorelli has some offensive upside. He is also a decent playmaker and can also play on the wing, making him a versatile player. However, he will likely have to battle for a roster spot at training camp, as the Panthers have lots of promising prospect forwards also looking to make the team for the 2010-11 season.

Sabres Re-Sign Gragnani and Mancari

The Buffalo Sabres have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani and right wing Mark Mancari to one-year contracts. The financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. These aren't bad depth signings for the Sabres. Gragnani has lots of offensive skill on the blueline, is excellent on the power play, and has some size. Mancari also has some offensive upside and plays with a little toughness. Both players will likely be battling for a roster spot for the 2010-11 season when training camp opens in a couple weeks.

Senators Sign Hale, Lessard, Benoit; Re-Sign Kinrade

The Ottawa Senators have announced that they have signed defensemen David Hale and Andre Benoit and right wing Francis Lessard to one-year, two-way contracts. The team also announced that they have re-signed defenseman Geoff Kinrade to a one-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of all four deals were not disclosed. These are mostly just depth signings for the team. Hale brings plenty of size and experience as a defensive defenseman to the team, while Benoit brings some toughness and offensive experience to the blueline. Kinrade has some puck-moving skill and plays with a little toughness, while Lessard brings lots of physical play and grit to the forward lines. Hale and Benoit could see some NHL action next season as seventh defensemen, but will likely have to fight for the role at training camp, while Lessard and Kinrade will likely spend most of next season in the minors.