Wild Sign Forwards Cullen and Nystrom

The Minnesota Wild added some much needed offensive depth to their lineup Thursday night by signing center Matt Cullen to a three-year contract worth $10.5 million and left wing Eric Nystrom to a three-year contract. Cullen's deal averages out to $3.5 million per season, while the financial terms of Nystrom's deal were not disclosed. These are decent signings for the Wild, as it gives them plenty of offensive depth. Cullen gives the team a decent two-way center, while Nystrom brings toughness and a little scoring depth to the wing.

EDIT
I had originally stated that Nystrom had signed a two-year contract, when in fact, he had signed a three-year contract. The error has been corrected.

Flames Sign Forwards Ivanans, Jackman

The Calgary Flames added some toughness to their offense on Thursday by signing left wing Raitis Ivanans and right wing Tim Jackman to two-year contracts. Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. These are really just depth signings for the Flames, as Ivanans and Jackman won't bring much offense to the team. They will, however, bring lots of grit and toughness to the lineup, as well as add two enforcers to the Flames.

Stars Sign Forward Burish, Goaltender Raycroft

The Dallas Stars have announced that they have signed right wing Adam Burish to a two-year contract worth $2.3 million and goaltender Andrew Raycroft to a two-year contract. Burish's deal averages out to $1.15 million per season, while the financial terms of Raycroft's contract were not disclosed. These are decent depth signings for the Stars. Burish will add plenty of toughness and scoring depth to the wing, while Raycroft will bring plenty of veteran depth in goal despite his struggles in recent years.

Thrashers Sign Goaltender Chris Mason

The Atlanta Thrashers added some goaltending depth on Thursday by signing goalie Chris Mason to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Not a bad depth signing in net for the Thrashers. Mason is a solid goaltender who will compete with Ondrej Pavelec for the starter's role at training camp in the fall. Even if Mason becomes the backup, he could easily jump into the starter's role if Pavelec should struggle or miss time with an injury.

EDIT
I originally stated that Mason had signed a three-year contract, when in fact, he had signed a two-year contract. The error has been corrected.

Thrashers Acquire Ladd from Blackhawks

The Atlanta Thrashers announced on Thursday that they have acquired left wing Andrew Ladd from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for prospect defenseman Ivan Visnevskiy and a second round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. Ladd is a restricted free agent and will have to be re-signed by the Thrashers. Not a bad trade for Atlanta, as Ladd will add toughness and offensive depth to the wing. The Blackhawks get an affordable defenseman in Vishnevskiy who could crack the lineup next season. He will bring some offensive skill to Chicago's defense.

Devils Sign Defensemen Volchenkov, Tallinder, Add Goaltender Hedberg

The New Jersey Devils were busy the first day of free agency by signing defenseman Anton Volchenkov to a six-year contract, defenseman Henrik Tallinder to a four-year contract worth $13.5 million, and goaltender Johan Hedberg to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million. The financial terms of Volchenkov's deal were not disclosed, while Tallinder's deal averages out to $3.375 million per season. These aren't bad signings for the Devils, as they added a lot of veteran depth to their team for the 2010-11 season. Volchenkov and Tallinder will provide plenty of offensive depth on the blueline, while Hedberg gives the team a solid backup goaltender to Martin Brodeur.

Oilers Sign Defenseman Foster, Re-Sign Fraser

The Edmonton Oilers have announced that they have signed defenseman Kurtis Foster to a two-year contract worth $3.6 million. The deal averages out to $1.8 million per season. The team has also announced that they have signed center Colin Fraser to a two-year contract worth $1.65 million, which averages out to $825,000 per season. He was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks on June 24 in exchange for a sixth round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. Not bad depth signings for the Oilers, as Foster brings lots of offensive skill to the blueline, while Fraser gives the team some grit and energy at center.

Coyotes Sign Ray Whitney, Re-Sign Derek Morris

The Phoenix Coyotes have announced that they have signed left wing Ray Whitney to a two-year contract worth $6 million, which averages out to $3 million per season, and re-signed defenseman Derek Morris to a four-year contract worth $11 million. His deal averages out to $2.75 million per season. These are good, veteran signings for the Coyotes. Whitney brings plenty of goal-scoring depth, decent passing skills, and leadership to the team, while Morris brings plenty of grit and offensive skill to the blueline.

Ducks Add Lydman, Re-Sign Koivu

The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they have signed defenseman Toni Lydman to a three-year contract worth $9 million and re-signed center Saku Koivu to a two-year contract worth $5 million. Lydman's deal averages out to $3 million per season, while Koivu's averages out to $2.5 million per season. These are decent signings for the Ducks, as both players will bring plenty of veteran depth to the club. Lydman has decent puck-moving skills, while Koivu brings plenty of offensive depth at center and lots of leadership.

Lightning Sign Goaltender Ellis, Re-Sign Forward Fritz

The Tampa Bay Lightning added some depth in goal on Thursday by signing goalie Dan Ellis to a two-year contract worth $3 million. The deal averages out to $1.5 million per season. The team also announced that they have re-signed left wing Mitch Fritz to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of his deal were not disclosed. Not a bad goaltending signing for the Lightning, as Ellis had some decent years in Nashville and helped keep the team in the playoff race each year he was there. He should be a decent fit for the Lightning over the next couple seasons. The Fritz signing is really just a depth one, as he doesn't have much offensive upside. He does, however, play with lots of grit and toughness, so if he does make the team next season, it will likely be on the fourth line.

Canucks Sign Hamhuis, Malhotra, Tambellini, Perrault

The Vancouver Canucks continued to re-vamp their roster on Wednesday by signing defenseman Dan Hamhuis to a six-year contract worth $27 million, center Manny Malhotra to a three-year deal worth $7.5 million, and left wing Jeff Tambellini and center Joel Perrault to one-year contracts. The financial terms of Tambellini's and Perrault's contracts were not disclosed, while Hamhuis' contract averages out to $4.5 million per season, while Malhotra's contract averages out to $2.5 million per season. These aren't bad signings for the Canucks, as Hamhuis is a great puck-moving defenseman with some offensive skill. He should be a great fit on their blueline and help make the team more competitive on the backend. Malhotra brings plenty of two-way play to the team, as well as some grit. He should be a good fit on the checking lines. Tambellini has some skill on the power play and has the potential to be a goal scorer, but has failed to live up to those standards. Perhaps a change of scenery will help his NHL career. Perrault will likely spend most of next season in the minors, but if he makes the Canucks, it will be as fourth line depth.

Sharks Sign Goaltender Niittymaki, Re-Sign Forward MacIntyre

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have signed goaltender Antero Niittymaki to a two-year contract worth $4 million. The deal averages out to $2 million per season. The team also announced that they have re-signed right wing Cam MacIntyre to a two-year contract. Financial terms of his deal were not disclosed. In 49 games last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Niittymaki posted a 21-18-5 record, one shutout, a 2.87 GAA, and a .909 save percentage. Not a bad goaltending signing for the Sharks, but he is definitely no Evgeni Nabokov. Niittymaki played solid at times last season, but also struggled at times behind a weak defense in Tampa Bay. With a bit more stable defense in front of him in San Jose, he could see his play improve. As for MacIntyre, this is really just a depth move, as he's probably still a few years away from any NHL action.

Maple Leafs Sign Free Agent Forwards Armstrong and Crabb

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Thursday that they have signed right wing Colby Armstrong to a three-year contract worth $9 million and right wing Joey Crabb to a one-year, two-way contract. Armstrong's deal averages out to $3 million per season, while the financial terms of Crabb's deal were not disclosed. In 79 games last season with the Atlanta Thrashers, Armstrong had 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points and 61 penalty minutes. Crabb had 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 points and 59 penalty minutes. The Armstrong signing is not a bad one for the Maple Leafs, as he will add some much needed offensive depth to the club. He also plays a physical game and has some defensive skill as well. Crabb is really just a depth signing for the Maple Leafs, as he could end up spending most of next season in the minors. If he does make the Maple Leafs next season, he will provide plenty of energy and grit to the wing.

Canadiens Add Auld, Re-Sign Sanford and Boyd

The Montreal Canadiens made a slew of signings on Thursday by signing goaltender Alex Auld to a one-year contract worth $1 million and re-signed goaltender Curtis Sanford and center Dustin Boyd to one-year deals. Financial terms of the Sanford and Boyd contracts were not disclosed. Boyd was acquired by the Canadiens along with Dan Ellis on June 29 in exchange for Sergei Kostitsyn. These aren't bad signings for the Canadiens, as they've added both goaltending and offensive depth. Auld should be a decent backup to Carey Price next season, but it will be interesting to see if he can carry the team if Price should struggle again. Sanford will probably spend most of next season in the minors, but could see NHL action if Price or Auld miss time with injuries. Boyd gives the team a decent two-way forward with a little offensive upside, so he should be a good fit to their third or fourth line.

Blues Re-Sign Forwards Steen and Sobotka

The St. Louis Blues announced today that they have re-signed left wing Alex Steen to a four-year contract and center Vladimir Sobotka to a one-year contract. Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. Sobotka was acquired from the Bruins during the 2010 Entry Draft for defenseman David Warsofsky. In 68 games last season with the Blues, Steen had 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points, while Sobotka had four goals and six assists for 10 points in 61 games with the Bruins. These are decent signings for the Blues, as both players should provide plenty of offensive depth for the team next season. Steen is good in a defensive role and can score goals, while Sobotka plays with plenty of energy, has some offensive upside, and is very versatile, as he can play both center and on the wing.

Penguins Sign Free Agent Defensemen Michalek and Martin

The Pittsburgh Penguins added some defensive depth to their roster on Thursday just hours after losing Sergei Gonchar to Ottawa by signing defensemen Zbynek Michalek and Paul Martin to five-year contracts. Michalek's contract is worth $20 million, which averages to $4 million per season. Martin's contract is worth $25 million which averages out to $5 million per season. In 72 games last season with the Phoenix Coyotes, Michalek had three goals and 14 assists for 17 points, while Martin had two goals and nine assists for 11 points in 22 games. He missed 59 games with a broken arm last season. These aren't bad signings for the Penguins, as both players have plenty of offensive skill on the blueline, but I think they got paid a little too much money. Sure, they are both talented players who deserve raises from last season, but $3 million was probably the most Michalek should have been paid, where Martin probably should have gotten no more than $4 million.

Lightning Sign Martin St. Louis to Four-Year Extension

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Thursday that they have signed right wing Martin St. Louis to a four-year contract extension worth $22.5 million. The deal averages out to $5.625 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent next summer. In all 82 games last season with the Lightning, he had 29 goals and 65 assists for 94 points. He won the Lady Byng Trophy this past season for sportsmanship. This is a great signing for the Lightning, as St. Louis is a very talented winger. He's a great passer and goal-scorer and has been an important part of the team's success over most of the last decade. He will likely finish his career as a member of the Lightning.

Senators Sign Sergei Gonchar, Re-Sign Jesse Winchester

The Ottawa Senators made a big splash on the free agent market on Thursday by signing defenseman Sergei Gonchar to a three-year contract worth $16.5 million. The deal averages out to $5,5 million per season. The Senators also re-signed right wing Jesse Winchester to a two-year contract. Financial terms of his deal were not disclosed. In 62 games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Gonchar had 11 goals and 39 assists for 50 points. Winchester had two goals and 11 assists for 13 points in 52 games. The Gonchar signing is a great one for the Senators, as he is great on the power play and has lots of offensive skill on the blueline, something the team has been seeking since the departure of Wade Redden. He should be an excellent fit to the Ottawa defense. The Winchester signing isn't a bad one for the team, as he is a solid playmaker and has decent two-way instincts. He will likely play on the checking lines next season in Ottawa.

NY Rangers Sign Goaltender Biron and Forward Boogaard

The New York Rangers announced on Wednesday that they have signed goaltender Martin Biron to a two-year contract and left wing Derek Boogaard to a four-year contract worth $6.6 million. The financial terms of Biron's deal were not disclosed, while Boogaard will make $1.65 million per season. In 29 games last season with the New York Islanders, Biron posted a 9-14-4 record, one shutout, a 3.27 GAA, and a .896 save percentage. Boogaard appeared in 57 games with the Minnesota Wild, scoring four assists and 105 penalty minutes. These aren't bad depth signings for the Rangers, as both players will add some veteran depth to the team. Despite struggling during the 2009-10 campaign, Biron brings solid goaltending depth to the club and could easily jump into the starter's role if Henrik Lundqvist should struggle or miss time with an injury. Boogaard is a very tough fighter and great hitter on the ice, making him one of the NHL's top heavyweight enforcers. He will bring lots of toughness to the Rangers next season, but don't expect him to score a lot of points, as he doesn't have very much offensive upside.

Flyers Re-Sign Coburn, Add O'Donnell and Shelley

The Philadelphia Flyers were busy during the first day of free agency on Thursday by re-signing defenseman Braydon Coburn to a two-year contract worth $6.4 million, defenseman Sean O'Donnell to a one-year, $1 million contract, and left wing Jody Shelley to a three year contract. Coburn's deal averages out to $3.2 million per season, while the financial terms of Shelley's contract were not disclosed. In 81 games last season with the Flyers, Coburn had five goals and 14 assists for 19 points and 54 penalty minutes. O'Donnell appeared in 78 games with the Los Angeles Kings last season, scoring three goals and 12 assists for 15 points and 70 penalty minutes. Shelley played in 57 games with the San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers, scoring two goals and seven assists for nine points and 115 penalty minutes. These aren't bad signings for the Flyers, as they have made them a much more physical hockey team. Coburn plays with lots of toughness and has decent offensive potential. O'Donnell brings leadership, grit, and defensive depth to the club, while Shelley provides the team with another enforcer who loves to fight and hit. With all the physical players now signed in Philadelphia for next season, it wouldn't surprise me if the team leads the league in penalty minutes in 2010-11.

Hurricanes Re-Sign Defenseman Babchuk, Center Matusmoto

The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Thursday that they have re-signed defenseman Anton Babchuk to a one-year contract worth $1.4 million and center Jonathan Matsumoto to a two-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of Matusmoto's deal were not disclosed. In 49 games last season with Omsk of the KHL, Babchuk had nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points. Matusmoto, who was acquired at the 2010 Draft from the Philadelphia Flyers, had 30 goals and 32 assists for 62 points in 80 games with Adirondack of the AHL. Babchuk is not a bad signing for the Hurricanes, as he has lots of offensive skill and a good shot. Matsumoto is just a depth signing, as he is likely to spend most of next season in the minors, where he will provide lots of goal-scoring skill for the team's AHL affiliate in Albany.

Flames Sign Free Agent Forwards Tanguay and Jokinen

A couple of familiar faces returned to the Calgary Flames' lineup on Thursday, as the team has signed left wing Alex Tanguay to a one-year contract worth $1.7 million and center Olli Jokinen to a two-year contract. The financial terms of Jokinen's deal were not disclosed. In 80 games last season with the Lightning, Tanguay had 10 goals and 27 assists for 37 points. Jokinen split last season with the Flames and New York Rangers, scoring 15 goals and 35 assists for 50 points. These aren't terrible signings for the Flames, as both players should be familiar with the team's style of play and be able to make an immediate impact at the start of next season. Tanguay struggled last season in Tampa Bay, but perhaps his return to some old surroundings can help him regain his scoring touch. Plus, if Tanguay can return to his 50-point form of a couple seasons ago, his $1.7 million contract would be a bargain. Jokinen didn't seem to fit in very well during his first stint with the Flames, as he didn't have a lot of chemistry with linemate Jarome Iginla. It will be interesting to see if Jokinen will be able to click with the Flames this time around, but don't be surprised if he struggles to put up points.

NY Rangers Re-Sign Forwards Christiansen and Prospal

The New York Rangers announced on Thursday that they have re-signed center Erik Christiansen to a two-year contract and left wing Vaclav Prospal to a one-year contract. Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. Christiansen was claimed off waivers from the Ducks by the Rangers last December. In 58 games last season with the Ducks and Rangers, he had eight goals and 18 assists for 26 points. He also appeared in six games with Manitoba of the AHL, scoring two goals. Prospal appeared in 78 games with the Rangers last season, scoring 20 goals and 38 assists for 58 points. These aren't bad signings for the Rangers, as Prospal and Christiansen both had fair seasons in 2009-10. Prospal brings plenty of scoring depth to the scoring lines, as well as versatility, as he can play both center and wing. Christiansen is good on faceoffs and in the shootout, but is inconsistent in his scoring. He should bring plenty of depth to the checking lines for the next two seasons.

Flyers Acquire Defenseman Meszaros from Lightning

The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Thursday that they have acquired defenseman Andrej Meszaros from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. It was reported over the past few days that the Lightning were looking to shed some salary and that Meszaros was possibly being shopped. In 81 games last season for the Lightning, he had six goals and 11 assists for 17 points and 50 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Flyers, but I'm not sure how they will be able to afford Meszaros without having to shed salary elsewhere. Teams can be over the salary cap during the off-season, but must get back to the cap ceiling by the start of the season, so the Flyers have time to try to fit his salary into their team. Meszaros plays with plenty of toughness and has some offensive skill, but didn't play up to expectations in Tampa Bay. Perhaps the change of scenery will help him get back on his game.

Bruins Re-Sign Forward Paille

The Boston Bruins announced on Thursday that they have signed left wing Daniel Paille to a two-year contract worth $2.15 million. The contract will pay him $1 million in 2010-11 and $1.15 million in 2011-12. Paille was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres last October for a third and fourth round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. The Bruins did not qualify his rights prior to July 1, allowing him to become a restricted free agent, but opted to re-sign him anyway. In 76 games last season with the Sabres and Bruins, he had 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Bruins, as Paille is a more than capable two-way winger. He is a good skater and has good defensive instincts. He should be a good fit for the Bruins on their third or fourth line.