Flames' Robyn Regehr Asked to Waive No-Trade Clause

According to tsn.ca, the Calgary Flames have asked defenseman Robyn Regehr to waive his no-movement clause and accept a trade to the Buffalo Sabres. In 79 games last season, he had two goals and 15 assists for 17 points and 58 penalty minutes. In 826 career NHL games, all with the Flames, he has 29 goals and 134 assists for 163 points and 802 penalty minutes. Definitely an interesting bit of news that has surfaced this afternoon. If Regehr waives his no-movement clause to facilitate a trade to Buffalo, he will bring lots of leadership, grit, and shutdown skills to the team. It will be interesting to see who could be heading to the Flames if the trade occurs. It could also be a salary dumping trade for the Flames to perhaps make another trade, add some players through free agency, or create more salary cap space to re-sign some of their own free agents. I'll have more on this once it is known what Regehr's decision will be.

EDIT

Regehr has waived his no-movement clause to facilitate a trade to the Sabres. The specifics of the trade are not yet known, but it is believed the Flames will send Ales Kotalik to Buffalo as well. The rumored return for Calgary is Chris Butler, Paul Byron, and a second round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft, but nothing has been confirmed thus far. I'll have more on this once the move is finalized.

Devils Sign Jay Leach to One-Year Contract

According to thehockeynews.com, the New Jersey Devils have signed defenseman Jay Leach to a one-year, two-way contract worth $525,000. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by New Jersey on February 9 from the San Jose Sharks along with Steven Zalewski in exchange for Patrick Davis and Michael Swift. Leach appeared in seven games with the Devils after the trade, scoring no points. He also appeared in 66 games with Worcester and Albany of the AHL, scoring two goals and seven assists for nine points. This is really just a depth signing for the Devils, as Leach will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors, where he will provide plenty of defensive depth and grit for Albany.

Blues Sign B.J. Crombeen to Two-Year Contract

The St. Louis Blues announced on Wednesday that they have signed center B.J. Crombeen to a two-year contract extension worth $2 million. The annual salary cap hit for his deal will be $1 million. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 80 games last season, he had seven goals and seven assists for 14 points and 154 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Blues, as Crombeen plays with lots of grit and energy and can also contribute offensively from time to time. Look for him to continue to play a checking line role over the next two seasons.

Wade Belak Announces His Retirement

After 14 seasons in the NHL, Nashville Predators right wing Wade Belak has announced his retirement. In 15 games last season with the Predators, he had no points and 18 penalty minutes. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He was assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL on March 9, but failed to report to the team and didn't play in another game after that point. According to the Nashville Tennessean, Belak will stay in Nashville and focus on the broadcasting and business side of hockey. In 549 career NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Nashville Predators, he has eight goals and 25 assists for 33 points and 1263 penalty minutes. Seeing as how Belak refused to report to the minors and had an extremely limited role in Nashville over the past few seasons, it really comes as no surprise to me that he has decided to retire. He was always a very tough and gritty player who stuck up for his teammates and never backed down from a physical encounter on the ice. I wish Belak all the best in his broadcasting career.

Canadiens Sign David Desharnais to Two-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed center David Desharnais to a two-year contract extension worth $1.7 million. The deal will pay him $750,000 in 2011-12 and $950,000 in 2012-13. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 43 games last season with Montreal, he had eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points. He also appeared in 35 games with Hamilton of the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 35 assists for 45 points. Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Desharnais has some offensive upside, skates well, and is a hard worker on the ice. Look for him to continue to improve his skills over the next two years.

Flames Sign Henrik Karlsson to Two-Year Contract

The Calgary Flames announced today that they have signed goaltender Henrik Karlsson to a two-year contract extension worth $1.75 million. The deal will average out to $875,000 per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 17 games last season, he posted a 4-5-6 record, with a 2.58 GAA and a .908 save percentage. Not a bad depth signing for the Flames, as Karlsson as good size and some upside to becoming a starting goaltender. Look for him to continue to be the backup to Miikka Kiprusoff over the next two years.

Panthers Sign Tim Kennedy to One-Year Extension

The Florida Panthers announced today that they have signed left wing Tim Kennedy to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by the Panthers on February 26 from the New York Rangers along with a third round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft in exchange for defenseman Bryan McCabe. In six games last season with Florida, Kennedy had one assist. He also appeared in 67 games with Connecticut and Rochester of the AHL, scoring 12 goals and 37 assists for 49 points. This is really just a depth move for the Panthers, as Kennedy likely won't be much of a difference maker offensively for the team. He does play with some energy and has some playmaking skills, so he may make the team's opening roster next season on the third or fourth line.

Blue Jackets Sign Nick Holden to One-Year Contract

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have signed defenseman Nick Holden to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In five games last season with Columbus, he had no points. He also appeared in 67 games with Springfield of the AHL, scoring four goals and 21 assists for 25 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Blue Jackets, as Holden has good size and some offensive upside. However, he will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors.

Red Wings Sign Nicklas Lidstrom to One-Year Contract

Nicklas Lidstrom will be returning to the NHL for a 20th season. The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have signed the 41-year-old star defenseman to a one-year contract worth $6.2 million, the same salary he made last year. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and had been considering retirement. In all 82 games last season, he had 16 goals and 46 assists for 62 points. In 11 playoff games, he added four goals and four assists for eight points. In 1494 career NHL games, all with Detroit, he has 253 goals and 855 assists for 1108 points. Lidstrom 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). He is a finalist for the Norris Trophy, Lady Byng Trophy, and Mark Messier Leadership Award for the 2010-11 season. This is an excellent signing for the Red Wings, as Lidstrom is easily the best defenseman in the league today and one of the greatest defensemen of all time. He is a very intelligent offensive defenseman with an accurate shot who excels in the defensive zone and is excellent on the power play. Lidstrom's return will be welcome news to Red Wings fans who were stunned nearly one month ago when defenseman Brian Rafalski unexpectedly announced his retirement. Now with Lidstrom back in the fold for one more year, expect Detroit to be aggressive in the coming weeks to acquire a standout replacement for Rafalski.

Canadiens Sign Max Pacioretty to Two-Year Deal

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have signed left wing Max Pacioretty to a two-year contract extension worth $3.25 million. The deal averages out to $1.625 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 37 games last season with the Canadiens, Pacioretty had 14 goals and 10 assists for 24 points. He missed the last 15 games of the regular season and all seven of Montreal's playoff games with a concussion and fractured vertebrae he sustained after a check from Boston's Zdeno Chara. He also appeared in 27 games with Hamilton of the AHL, scoring 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points. Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Pacioretty skates well and has some scoring and offensive upside. He will likely continue to improve his skills over the next two years.

2011 NHL Award Nominees & Winners

Here is a list of the NHL players who will be up for awards for the 2010-2011 season. The NHL Awards Ceremony will take place on June 22 in Las Vegas. The finalists for each trophy will be listed as the NHL announces them over the next two weeks, starting April 19. The winners of each award will be in bold and italics.


PLAYER AWARDS

ART ROSS TROPHY - Top Point Scorer
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks - 104 points

MAURICE "ROCKET" RICHARD TROPHY - Top Goal Scorer
Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks - 50 goals

WILLIAM M. JENNINGS TROPHY - Fewest Goals Allowed
Roberto Luongo & Cory Schneider, Vancouver Canucks - 185 goals allowed

VEZINA TROPHY - Top Goaltender
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks
Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators
Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY - Top Defensive Forward
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY - Skill/Sportsmanship
Loui Eriksson, Dallas Stars
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY - Top Rookie
Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks
Michael Grabner, New York Islanders
Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY - Top Defenseman
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators

BILL MASTERTON MEMORIAL TROPHY - Perseverance & Dedication to Hockey
Ray Emery, Anaheim Ducks
Daymond Langkow, Calgary Flames
Ian Laperriere, Philadelphia Flyers

NHL FOUNDATION PLAYER AWARD - Contributions to Charitable Causes
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings
Mike Green, Washington Capitals
Daniel & Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

JACK ADAMS AWARD - Top Head Coach
Dan Bylsma, Pittsburgh Penguins
Barry Trotz, Nashville Predators
Alain Vigneault, Vancouver Canucks

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY - League MVP
Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

TED LINDSAY AWARD (Formerly Lester B. Pearson Award) - MVP Voted by the NHLPA
Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD - Top General Manager
Mike Gillis, Vancouver Canucks
David Poile, Nashville Predators
Steve Yzerman, Tampa Bay Lightning

MARK MESSIER LEADERSHIP AWARD - Top Leader in Hockey
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

KING CLANCY TROPHY - Humanitarian Contribution to Hockey
Doug Weight, New York Islanders

CONN SMYTHE TROPHY - Playoff MVP
Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins


TEAM AWARDS

PRESIDENT'S TROPHY - Top Team Based on Points
Vancouver Canucks - 117 Pts.

PRINCE OF WALES TROPHY - Eastern Conference Champions
Boston Bruins

CLARENCE S. CAMPBELL TROPHY - Western Conference Champions
Vancouver Canucks

STANLEY CUP - League Champions
Boston Bruins


NHL FIRST ALL-STAR TEAM
Tim Thomas, G - Boston Bruins
Nicklas Lidstrom, D - Detroit Red Wings
Shea Weber, D - Nashville Predators
Henrik Sedin, C - Vancouver Canucks
Corey Perry, RW - Anaheim Ducks
Daniel Sedin, LW - Vancouver Canucks

NHL SECOND ALL-STAR TEAM
Pekka Rinne, G - Nashville Predators
Zdeno Chara, D - Boston Bruins
Lubomir Visnovsky, D - Anaheim Ducks
Steven Stamkos, C - Tampa Bay Lightning
Martin St. Louis, RW - Tampa Bay Lightning
Alex Ovechkin, LW - Washington Capitals

NHL ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Corey Crawford, G - Chicago Blackhawks
P.K. Subban, D - Montreal Canadiens
John Carlson, D - Washington Capitals
Jeff Skinner, C - Carolina Hurricanes
Michael Grabner, RW - New York Islanders
Logan Couture, LW - San Jose Sharks

2011 NHL Entry Draft Order - First Round

Here is the order for the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The first round of the draft will take place on Friday, June 24 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Rounds 2-7 will take place on Saturday, June 25.

1. Edmonton - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C - Red Deer, WHL
   
2. Colorado - Gabriel Landeskog, LW - Kitchener, OHL
   
3. Florida - Jonathan Huberdeau, C - Saint John, QMJHL
   
4. New Jersey - Adam Larsson, D - Skelleftea, Sweden
   
5. New York Islanders - Ryan Strome, C - Niagara, OHL
   
6. Ottawa - Mika Zibanejad, C - Djurgarden, Sweden
   
7. Winnipeg - Mark Scheifele, C - Barrie, OHL
   
8. Philadelphia (from Columbus) - Sean Couturier, C - Drummondville, QMJHL
   
9. Boston (from Toronto) - Dougie Hamilton, D - Niagara, OHL
   
10. Minnesota - Josh Brodin, D - Farjestad, Sweden
    
11. Colorado (from St. Louis) - Duncan Siemens, D - Saskatoon, WHL
    
12. Carolina - Ryan Murphy, D - Kitchener, OHL
    
13. Calgary - Sven Baertschi, LW - Portland, WHL
    
14. Dallas - Jamie Oleksiak, D - Northeastern, HE
    
15. New York Rangers - J.T. Miller, C - USA U-18, USHL
    
16. Buffalo - Joel Armia, RW - Assat, Finland
    
17. Montreal - Nathan Beaulieu, D - Saint John, QMJHL
    
18. Chicago - Mark McNeill, C - Prince Albert, WHL
    
19. Edmonton (from Los Angeles) - Oscar Klefbom, D - Farjestad, Sweden
    
20. Phoenix - Connor Murphy, D - USA U-18, USHL
    
21. Ottawa (from Nashville) - Stefan Noesen, RW - Plymouth, OHL
    
22. Toronto (from Anaheim) - Tyler Biggs, RW - USA U-18, USHL
    
23. Pittsburgh - Joe Morrow, D - Portland, WHL
    
24. Ottawa (from Detroit) - Matt Puempel, LW - Peterborough, OHL
    
25. Toronto (from Philadelphia) - Stuart Percy, D - Mississauga St. Michael's, OHL
    
26. Chicago (from Washington) - Phillip Danault, LW - Victoriaville, QMJHL
    
27. Tampa Bay - Vladislav Namestnikov, C - London, OHL
    
28. Minnesota (from San Jose) - Zack Phillips, C - Saint John, QMJHL
    
29. Vancouver - Nicklas Jensen, LW - Oshawa, OHL
    
30. Anaheim (from Boston, from Toronto) - Rickard Rakell, RW - Plymouth, OHL
    

NY Islanders Sign Trevor Gillies to One-Year Contract

The New York Islanders announced on Friday that they have signed left wing Trevor Gillies 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 39 games last season with the Islanders, he had two goals and 165 penalty minutes. He missed 19 games this past March due to suspensions for two separate incidents involving hits to the heads of Pittsburgh's Eric Tangradi and Minnesota's Cal Clutterbuck. This is nothing more than a depth signing for the Islanders, as Gillies plays with lots of grit and toughness, but has no offensive upside. Look for him to spend more time in the penalty box than actually playing on the ice next season.

NY Rangers Sign Chad Kolarik to Contract Extension

The New York Rangers announced on Friday that they have signed right wing Chad Kolarik to a contract extension. The exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a Group Six unrestricted free agent on July 1. In four games last season with the Rangers, he had no points. He also appeared in 49 games with Springfield and Connecticut of the AHL, scoring 21 goals and 20 assists for 41 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Rangers, as Kolarik will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Capitals Sign Dany Sabourin to One-Year Extension

According to the hockeynews.com, the Washington Capitals have signed goaltender Dany Sabourin to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 23 games last season with Hershey of the AHL, he posted a 14-9-0 record, two shutouts, a 2.45 GAA, and a .908 save percentage. Not a bad depth signing for the Capitals, as Sabourin will provide solid backup skills for the team if he is recalled from the minors at some point next season. Otherwise, expect him to spend most of the season with Hershey as their backup goaltender.

Sharks Sign Sean Sullivan to One-Year Extension

According to the hockeynews.com, the San Jose Sharks have signed defenseman Sean Sullivan to a one-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 73 games last season with Worcester of the AHL, he had 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Sharks, as Sullivan will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Wild Sign Nate Prosser to One-Year Deal

According to thehockeynews.com, the Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman Nate Prosser 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 two games this past season with the Wild, he had no points. He also appeared in 73 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Wild, as Prosser has good size and some offensive potential. However, he will more than likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Avalanche Re-Sign Ryan Stoa and David Liffiton

According to thehockeynews.com, the Colorado Avalanche have signed left wing Ryan Stoa and defenseman David Liffiton to one-year contract extensions. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. Both players would have been free agents on July 1. In 25 games last season with the Avalanche, Stoa had two goals and two assists for four points. He also appeared in 48 games with Lake Erie of the AHL, scoring 16 goals and 17 assists for 33 points. Liffiton played in four games with Colorado last season, scoring one goal. He also appeared in 18 games with Lake Erie, scoring one goal and three assists for four points and 57 penalty minutes. Stoa isn't a bad depth signing for the Avalanche, as he has some two-way skill and has a little offensive ability. If he makes the team next season, it will likely be on the fourth line. Liffiton is really just a depth signing and he will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Ducks Sign Nate Guenin to Two-Year Contract

According to thehockeynews.com, the Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Nate Guenin 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. He was acquired by the Ducks from the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 4 in exchange for Trevor Smith. In three games this past season with the Blue Jackets, Guenin had no points. He did not appear in any games with the Ducks. He also played in 73 games with Syracuse and Springfield of the AHL, scoring two goals and 15 assists for 17 points and 65 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Ducks, as Guenin will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors.

Avalanche Sign Joakim Lindstrom to One-Year Deal

The Colorado Avalanche announced on Thursday that they have signed left wing Joakim Lindstrom to a one-year contract worth $600,000. In 54 games last season with Skelleftea of the Swedish League, he had 28 goals and 32 assists for 60 points and 134 penalty minutes. He last played in the NHL during the 2008-09 season with the Phoenix Coyotes. This is an okay depth signing for the Avalanche, as Lindstrom does have some offensive ability. However, he hasn't had much success offensively at the NHL level, so he may end up on Colorado's third or fourth line next season, if he makes the team.

Ducks Sign Sean Zimmerman to One-Year Contract

The Anaheim Ducks announced on Thursday that they have signed defenseman Sean Zimmerman 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. He was acquired by the Ducks on February 27 from the Boston Bruins along with Brian McGrattan in exchange for David Laliberte and Stefan Chaput. In 51 games last season with Rochester, Providence, and Syracuse of the AHL, he had seven assists. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Ducks, as Zimmerman will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Devils Acquire Maxim Noreau from Wild for David McIntyre

The New Jersey Devils announced today that they have acquired defenseman Maxim Noreau from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for center David McIntyre. Noreau will be eligible for restricted free agency on July 1, while McIntyre still has one more year left on his current contract. In five games last season with the Wild, Noreau had no points. He also appeared in 76 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 44 assists for 54 points. McIntyre played in 78 games with Albany of the AHL last season, scoring 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points. Not a bad depth move for the Devils, as Noreau has lots of offensive potential and can play with a little bit of toughness. There's a good chance he could make the team next season as a sixth or seventh defenseman. Noreau had fallen down the depth chart in Minnesota and would have had a hard time making the team given the number of offensive blueliners already on the roster. He will definitely get a chance to crack an NHL roster full time in New Jersey. As for the Wild, they get a little offensive depth in McIntyre, but he will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Stars Sign Richard Bachman and Dan Spang to One-Year Deals

The Dallas Stars announced today that they have signed goaltender Richard Bachman and defenseman Dan Spang to one-year, two-way contracts. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. Bachman would have been a restricted free agent on July 1, while Spang was signed as a free agent. Bachman appeared in one game with the Stars last season, playing the last 10 minutes of the December 11, 2010 game against the Phoenix Coyotes after Andrew Raycroft allowed five goals on 30 shots. He made four saves and allowed no goals. He also played in 55 games with Texas of the AHL, posting a 28-19-5 record, six shutouts, a 2.20 GAA, and a .927 save percentage. Spang appeared in 77 games last season with Texas, scoring 10 goals and 27 assists for 37 points. These are really just depth signings for the Stars, as both players will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Hurricanes Sign Jay Harrison to Two-Year Contract

The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that they have signed defenseman Jay Harrison to a two-year contract extension worth $1.4 million. The deal will pay him $650,000 in 2011-12 and $750,000 in 2012-13. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 72 games last season with the Hurricanes, he had three goals and seven assists for 10 points and 72 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Hurricanes, as Harrison is a stay-at-home defenseman with good size and strength and plays with lots of toughness. He will likely continue to play as the team's sixth defenseman over the next two years.

Mark Recchi Announces His Retirement

Just moments after the Boston Bruins won their first Stanley Cup since 1972, Bruins' right wing Mark Recchi announced his retirement from hockey. In 81 games this past season, he had 14 goals and 34 assists for 48 points. He also had five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 25 playoff games. He would have been an eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1. In 1652 career NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, Atlanta Thrashers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Boston Bruins, Recchi has 577 goals and 956 assists for 1533 points and 1033 penalty minutes. He won the Stanley Cup in 1991 with the Penguins and 2006 with the Hurricanes in addition to winning with the Bruins. This comes as no surprise, as Recchi hinted that if the Bruins won the Stanley Cup, he would retire from hockey. He always had great goal-scoring skill and was an excellent playmaker on the ice. He was also a proven leader and played with lots of energy. It's great to see Recchi go out on top as a winner and he will definitely be in the Hockey Hall of Fame one day. I wish him all the best in retirement.