NY Rangers Sign Free Agent Forward Tim Kennedy

The New York Rangers have announced that they have signed center Tim Kennedy to a one-year contract worth $550,000. He had been awarded a one-year contract worth $1 million in arbitration as a member of the Buffalo Sabres, but the team couldn't walk away from the deal because arbitrator awarded contracts less than $1,611,180 must be automatically accepted by their respected teams. After accepting the award, the Sabres then bought out the contract, making Kennedy an unrestricted free agent. In 78 games last season with Buffalo, he had 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points. Not a bad signing for the Rangers, as Kennedy is still considered a promising forward. He plays with lots of energy and has good playmaking skills, but is very undersized for the NHL. However, Kennedy will still provide some offensive depth for the Rangers next season.

Coyotes Re-Sign Stempniak to Two-Year Deal

The Phoenix Coyotes have announced that they have re-signed right wing Lee Stempniak to a two-year contract worth $3.8 million. The deal averages out to $1.9 million per season. He was acquired by the Coyotes on March 3 from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Matt Jones and fourth and seventh round picks in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 80 games last season with the Maple Leafs and Coyotes, he had 28 goals and 20 assists for 48 points. This is a good signing for the Coyotes, as Stempniak exploded offensively after being acquired by the team. In 18 games with the Coyotes, he had 14 goals and four assists. He has lots of offensive and goal-scoring skill, plenty of speed, and is good on the power play. Despite having some inconsistency in the past, he should continue to be a good offensive contributor for Phoenix over the next two years.

Oilers Re-Sign Sam Gagner to Two-Year Contract

The Edmonton Oilers have announced that they have re-signed center Sam Gagner to a two-year contract worth $4.55 million. The deal averages out to $2.275 million per season. In 68 games last season with Edmonton, he had 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points. He missed 14 games last season with lower body, left knee, and hip injuries. Not a bad signing for the Oilers, as Gagner is good offensively and has lots of upside. He is also a great passer, good in shootouts, and is versatile, in that he can also play on the wing. He will likely fill a top-six role on the team next season.

Maple Leafs Add MacArthur, Re-Sign Hanson

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have signed left wing Clarke MacArthur to a one-year contract worth $1.1 million. The team also announced that they have re-signed right wing Christian Hanson to a one-year contract. Financial terms of his deal were not disclosed. MacArthur had been awarded a one-year contract worth $2.4 million in arbitration as a member of the Atlanta Thrashers, but the team declined the offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. In 81 games last season with the Buffalo Sabres and Thrashers, he had 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points. In 31 games last season with the Maple Leafs, Hanson had two goals and five assists for seven points. He also appeared in 38 games with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, scoring 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points. These aren't bad moves for the Maple Leafs, as both players will bring some offensive depth to the club. MacArthur is a versatile forward with some offensive skill, plays with a little toughness, has some speed, and is good on the power play. He will likely play a top-six role for the team next season. Hanson has good size and some versatility, as he can play both on the wing and at center. He will likely fill a third or fourth line role with the team next season.

Maple Leafs Acquire Lashoff from Lightning for Berry, Giliati

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have acquired defenseman Matt Lashoff from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for right wing Alex Berry and left wing Stefano Giliati. In five games last season with the Lightning, Lashoff had no points and 21 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 68 games with Norfolk of the AHL, scoring eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points and 105 penalty minutes. In 55 games last season with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, Berry had three goals and four assists for seven points and 97 penalty minutes. He also played in five games with Reading of the ECHL, scoring five assists. Giliati appeared in 25 games with the Marlies, scoring three goals and six assists for nine points and also played in 46 games with Reading, scoring 23 goals and 32 assists for 55 points and 76 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as all three players will likely spend all of next season in the minors. Lashoff brings some offensive skill and toughness to the blueline for the Maple Leafs' organization, while Berry and Giliati bring some future offensive depth and toughness to the forward lines for the Lightning.

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.