Ducks Acquire Maxim Lapierre from Canadiens for Brett Festerling

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that they have acquired center Maxim Lapierre from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Brett Festerling and a fifth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. Both players will be eligible to be restricted free agents this summer. In 38 games so far this season, Lapierre has five goals and three assists for eight points and 63 penalty minutes, while Festerling has no points in only one NHL game. He has spent the majority of the season with Syracuse of the AHL, scoring three goals and nine assists for 12 points in 32 games. Not a bad move for the Ducks, as Lapierre will bring lots of grit and toughness to their lineup, as well as some versatility. As for the Canadiens, they get a hard-working defenseman in Festerling who can also chip-in offensively from time to time.

Stars Sign Trevor Daley to Six-Year Extension

The Dallas Stars announced today that they have signed defenseman Trevor Daley to a six-year contract extension worth $19.8 million. The deal averages out to $3.3 million per season and includes a no-trade clause. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 37 games so far this season, he has two goals and nine assists for 11 points and 16 penalty minutes. In 453 career NHL games, all with Dallas, he has 28 goals and 86 assists for 114 points and 363 penalty minutes. Not a bad move for the Stars, as Daley is a very mobile defenseman capable of putting up big minutes. He also plays with plenty of toughness and works very hard on the ice. However, the Stars probably could have re-signed Daley for a little less money and the no-trade clause is unnecessary, in my opinion.

Predators Claim Marek Svatos Off Waivers from Blues

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have claimed right wing Marek Svatos off waivers from the St. Louis Blues just one day after he had signed a one-year contract with the Blues. He had to clear waivers before he would have been eligible to play a game with St. Louis. Svatos had been playing with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, but was released from the team last week after scoring three goals and five assists in 19 games. In 54 games last season with the Colorado Avalanche, he had seven goals and four assists for 11 points. In 316 career NHL games, all with the Avalanche, he has 96 goals and 68 assists for 164 points. Not a bad pick-up for the Predators, as Svatos will provide some much needed offensive depth with forwards Matthew Lombardi, Steve Sullivan, Martin Erat, and David Legwand all sidelined with injuries. He will bring plenty of goal-scoring talent, as well as some passing and puck-handling skill to the team. As for the Blues, it's unfortunate that Svatos did not clear waivers, as they are currently short-handed on the wing with T.J. Oshie and David Perron both injured. They could still look at some remaining free agents from last summer or check the waiver wire for a short-term replacement, but if there's no one to suit their needs, they may have to call up a player from the minors.

Canadiens Acquire James Wisniewski from NY Islanders

The Montreal Canadiens announced today that they have acquired defenseman James Wisniewski from the New York Islanders in exchange for a second round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft and a conditional fifth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The second round pick was a compensatory pick since the Canadiens did not sign former first round pick David Fisher. In 32 games so far this season, Wisniewski has three goals and 18 assists for 21 points and 18 penalty minutes. In 286 career NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, and New York Islanders, he has 20 goals and 98 assists for 118 points and 282 penalty minutes. This is a decent move for the Canadiens, as they will get a new power play quarterback on defense to fill the void left by Andrei Markov after he sustained a season-ending knee injury in November. Wisniewski will bring lots of skill to the power play and penalty kill, plenty of toughness, and some offensive skill to the blueline. He should be a good addition to the Canadiens' roster.

Blues Sign Free Agent Forward Marek Svatos

The St. Louis Blues announced today that they have signed right wing Marek Svatos to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay him $800,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. He had been playing with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, and had three goals and five assists in 19 games before he was released by the club last week. In 54 games last season with the Colorado Avalanche, he had seven goals and four assists for 11 points. In 316 career NHL games, all with Colorado, he has 96 goals and 68 assists for 164 points. Not a bad signing for the Blues, as Svatos will provide plenty of much-needed offensive depth on the wing with T.J. Oshie and David Perron currently sidelined with injuries. Svatos has plenty of goal-scoring talent, decent passing skills, and is a good puck-handler. He should be a decent addition to the Blues' roster, as well as a very affordable one too.

Scott Walker Announces His Retirement

After 15 seasons in the NHL, right wing Scott Walker has announced his retirement from the NHL. In 42 games last season with the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals, he had five goals and three assists for eight points and 32 penalty minutes. In 829 career NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes, and Washington Capitals, he has 151 goals and 246 assists for 397 points and 1162 penalty minutes. Throughout his NHL career, Walker was a very gritty player who could score goals and had tremendous leadership qualities. His contributions on the ice will be missed.

Blackhawks Sign Forward Ryan Johnson to One-Year Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Friday that they have signed free agent center Ryan Johnson to a one-year contract. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 58 games last season with the Vancouver Canucks, he had one goal and four assists for five points. In 667 career NHL games with the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues, and Vancouver Canucks, he has 37 goals and 79 assists for 116 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Blackhawks, as Johnson is a very capable checking line center. He's a good forechecker, plays a physical game, is great on the faceoff, and is excellent on the penalty kill. Johnson should fit in well with the Blackhawks on their checking lines.

Capitals Sign John Erskine to Two-Year Extension

The Washington Capitals announced today that they have signed defenseman John Erskine to a two-year contract extension worth $3 million. The deal averages out to $1.5 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. In 31 games so far this season, he has three goals and four assists for seven points and 43 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Capitals, as Erskine plays a very physical game on the blueline. He isn't afraid to drop the gloves and fight and is a good team player, making him a worthwhile option on Washington's defense for the next two years.

Kings and Bruins Finalize Deal for Marco Sturm

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have acquired left wing Marco Sturm from the Boston Bruins in exchange for future considerations. The two teams nearly had a deal done for Sturm about a week and a half ago, but the deal was cancelled. The trade will be contingent on him passing a physical. Sturm, who has been sidelined all season with a knee injury, waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the trade and will free up $3.5 million in salary for the Bruins. In 76 games last season with Boston, he had 22 goals and 15 assists for 37 points. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. This is a necessary trade for the Bruins in order to become salary cap compliant when Sturm finally returns to the lineup, but a decent move for the Kings. The Kings get a speedy forward in Sturm, who is an excellent stick-handler and good on the power play and penalty kill. Despite being a bit prone to injury, he will add plenty of offensive depth and experience on the wing for Los Angeles.

Bruins Acquire Zimmerman from Panthers for Lovecchio, Knackstedt

The Boston Bruins announced on Thursday that they have acquired defenseman Sean Zimmerman and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft from the Florida Panthers in exchange for left wing Jeff Lovecchio and right wing Jordan Knackstedt. Zimmerman has no points in seven games with Rochester of the AHL. He was assigned to Providence of the AHL after the trade. Lovecchio has three assists in 22 games with Providence, while Knackstedt has seven goals and five assist for 12 points in 22 games. Both players were assigned to Rochester. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as all three players will likely spend most of the rest of the season in the minors. However, Zimmerman could see some time with the Bruins if injuries should mount on their blueline.

Bruins Acquire Juraj Simek from Lightning for Levi Nelson

The Boston Bruins announced yesterday that they have acquired left wing Juraj Simek from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for center Levi Nelson. In 21 games with Norfolk of the AHL, Simek has three goals and six assists for nine points, and will now report to the Bruins' AHL affiliate in Providence. Nelson has four goals and three assists for seven points in 14 games with Providence and will now report to Norfolk. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as Simek and Nelson will likely play the rest of the season in minors. Although, the move will add depth, organizationally, at center for the Lightning and on the wing for the Bruins.

Jere Lehtinen Announces His Retirement

After 14 seasons in the NHL, right wing Jere Lehtinen announced his retirement in a statement through the Dallas Stars. Originally drafted by the Minnesota North Stars prior to the team's relocation to Dallas, the 37-year-old right wing became one of the top defensive forwards in the NHL after winning the Selke Trophy in 1998, 1999, and 2003. He also helped the Stars win their only Stanley Cup to date in 1999. In 875 career NHL games, all with the Stars, he had 243 goals and 271 assists for 514 points. It's unfortunate to see Lehtinen call it a career, as he was one of the greatest two-way players the game has ever seen. He had an excellent defensive game, played with lots of class, and could also score goals. His contributions on the ice will be missed.

Canucks Forward Peter Schaefer Announces His Retirement

Just three days after having his contract terminated by the Vancouver Canucks on November 26 for refusing to report to the minors, center Peter Schaefer has announced his retirement. In 16 games with the Canucks this season, he had one goal and one assist. He had been with the team at training camp this past fall on a tryout basis and was signed to a contract in early October. In 556 career NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, and Boston Bruins, he has 98 goals and 161 assists for 259 points. This really comes as no surprise, as Schaefer likely wouldn't have had too many teams calling for his services after being cut from the Canucks. Throughout his career, he had some skill as a penalty killer and some speed, making him an effective third liner at the height of his NHL career.

Bill Guerin Announces his Retirement

After 18 seasons in the NHL, veteran right wing Bill Guerin has announced his retirement as a player through the Pittsburgh Penguins' website. Guerin attended the Philadelphia Flyers' training camp this past September on a tryout basis, but was unable to make the team. In 78 games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he had 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points and 75 penalty minutes. In 1263 career NHL games with the New Jersey Devils, Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders, and Pittsburgh Penguins, he has 429 goals and 427 assists for 856 points and 1660 penalty minutes. He won the Stanley Cup in 1995 with the Devils and 2009 with the Penguins, as well as a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Guerin was always a decent offensive contributor throughout his career who played with lots of grit and toughness and was an excellent leader on the ice. He played with lots of class and his contributions on the ice will be missed.

Kings Acquire Marco Sturm from Bruins

In a salary dumping move, the Boston Bruins have dealt left wing Marco Sturm to the Los Angeles Kings for what is believed to be a conditional fifth round draft pick. The complete details of the trade have yet to be announced. Sturm, who has been sidelined all season with a knee injury and is still two to three weeks from returning to action, waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the trade. The trade will free up $3.5 million in salary for the Bruins and comes in the wake of Marc Savard's imminent return to their lineup after being sidelined with a concussion since May. In 76 games last season with the Bruins, Sturm had 22 goals and 15 assists for 37 points. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. A necessary trade for the Bruins in order to become salary cap compliant when Savard returns to the lineup, but a decent move for the Kings. They get a speedy forward in Sturm, who is also an excellent stick-handler and good on the power play and penalty kill. Despite being a bit prone to injury, Sturm will add plenty of offensive depth and experience on the wing for Los Angeles.

***UPDATE***
The Boston Bruins issued a statement Thursday night that Marco Sturm had not been traded to the Kings and that no deal for him was imminent. If a deal had been in place with the Los Angeles Kings, it appears that it fell through. With Sturm still on injured reserve for the next few weeks, it will be interesting to see how the Bruins become salary cap compliant upon his return to the lineup.

NY Islanders Sign Jeremy Colliton to One-Year Deal

The New York Islanders announced today that they have re-signed center Jeremy Colliton to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He last played in the NHL with the Islanders during the 2008-09 season, scoring one assist in six games. Last season, he played with Rogle Angelholm of the Swedish Elite League, scoring 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points in 46 games. This is really just a depth signing for the Islanders, as it remains to be seen if Colliton will earn a roster spot on the team or end up in the minors. However, if he does secure a roster spot with the Islanders, he will bring a strong work ethic, skill to the penalty kill, and some offensive depth to the team.

Thrashers Sign Center Tim Stapleton

The Atlanta Thrashers announced today that they have signed free agent center Tim Stapleton. The exact length and financial terms of the deal were not announced, but it's likely a one-year deal. He appeared in six games last season with the Thrashers, scoring two goals. He spent the majority of the 2009-10 season with the Thrashers' AHL affiliate in Chicago. In 20 games this season with San Antonio of the AHL, he has eight goals and seven assists for 15 points. This is really just a depth move for the Thrashers, as Stapleton will likely spend most of this season in the minors. However, he is expected to join the team tonight in Colorado, so he will get a chance to play at the NHL level for now.

***UPDATE***
Stapleton's newly signed contract is a two-year deal. For the 2010-11 season, it's a two-way deal that will see him earning $525,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 if he plays in the minors. For the 2011-12 season, it's a one-way deal, which will see him earn $525,000 regardless if he plays in the NHL or minors.

Avalanche Acquire Tomas Fleischmann from Capitals for Scott Hannan

The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they have acquired left wing Tomas Fleischmann from the Washington Capitals in exchange for defenseman Scott Hannan. Fleischmann, who had been a healthy scratch recently, had been the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks. It was reported the Los Angeles Kings had been interested in the 26-year-old forward. Both players will be unrestricted free agents next summer. In 23 games so far this season, he has four goals and six assists for 10 points, while Hannan has six assists in 23 games. This is a decent trade for both teams, as it addresses needs for both of them. Fleischmann brings the Avalanche a skilled forward who is a decent passer and stickhandler who can play both center and on the wing. He also brings the team some much needed offensive depth after recently losing Chris Stewart for four to six weeks with a broken hand. Hannan brings some much-needed veteran depth to the Capitals' blueline, as well as some decent shutdown skills. He should be an excellent addition to their defense.

Avalanche Acquire Matt Hunwick from Bruins for Colby Cohen

The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they have acquired defenseman Matt Hunwick from the Boston Bruins in exchange for prospect defenseman Colby Cohen. In 22 games this season, Hunwick has one goal and two assists for three points. Cohen has no points in three NHL games so far this season. For the Avalanche, they get a puck-moving defenseman in Hunwick, who has some offensive skill and adds a little bit more experience to their injury-ravaged blueline. For the Bruins, they get a decent defensive prospect in Cohen, who has good size and toughness. as well as some offensive upside. The move also sheds $1.55 million in salary to make room for Marc Savard, who is set to return to the lineup in the near future after being sidelined with a concussion since last May.

Blackhawks Sign Defenseman Garnet Exelby to One-Year Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have signed defeseman Garnet Exelby to a one-year contract and assigned him to their AHL affiliate in Rockford. He had been on a professional tryout with Rockford and served as the team's captain. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 51 games last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he had one goal and three assists for four points and 73 penalty minutes. In 408 career NHL games with the Atlanta Thrashers and Toronto Maple Leafs, he has seven goals and 43 assists for 50 points and 584 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Blackhawks, as Exelby will likely spend much of the season in the minors. If he does get recalled from the minors, he will provide plenty of grit and toughness to the team's blueline.

Flyers Sign Forward Michael Ryan to One-Year Contract

The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have signed left wing Michael Ryan to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He attended the Flyers' training camp this past September on a tryout basis. In six games this season with Springfield of the AHL, he has one goal and two assists for three points. He last played in the NHL during the 2008-09 season with the Carolina Hurricanes, recording two assists in 18 games. This is really just a depth move for the Flyers, as Ryan was assigned to their AHL affiliate in Adirondack after the signing. He should provide lots of offensive skill to Adirondack throughout the course of the season.

Hurricanes Acquire Ryan Carter from Ducks for Chaput, Kennedy

The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that they have acquired center Ryan Carter from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for center Stefan Chaput and right wing Matt Kennedy. The trade comes in the wake of center Kyle Chipchura's return to the Ducks' lineup after missing time with a concussion, thus making Carter expendable to the team. In 18 games so far this season, Carter has one goal and two assists for three points and 22 penalty minutes. Chaput has appeared in 20 games with Charlotte of the AHL this season, scoring three assists and nine penalty minutes, while Kennedy has one assist and six penalty minutes in eight games with Charlotte. Not a bad depth move for the Hurricanes, as Carter will add some toughness and versatility to the forward lines, especially at center. For the Ducks, they get two young forwards with some offensive skill who have top-nine potential at the NHL level. However, they are probably still at least a couple seasons away from securing NHL roster spots, if they are able to at all.

NY Rangers Acquire Stu Bickel from Ducks for Nigel Williams

The New York Rangers announced today that they have acquired defenseman Stu Bickel from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Nigel Williams. In six games this season with Syracuse of the AHL, Bickel has three assists and 14 penalty minutes, while Williams has one assist and two penalty minutes in 12 games with Hartford of the AHL. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as Bickel and Williams will likely spend the rest of the season in the minors, where they both should provide sufficient defensive depth for their respected clubs.

Wild Claim O'Sullivan Off Waivers from Hurricanes

The Minnesota Wild announced today that they have claimed left wing Patrick O'Sullivan off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes. Signed as a free agent in the off-season by the Hurricanes, he has one goal in 10 games so far this season. O'Sullivan was originally a second round draft pick of the Wild in 2003. In 290 career NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, and Carolina Hurricanes, he has 55 goals and 95 assists for 150 points. Not a bad depth move for the Wild, as O'Sullivan will add some offensive depth up front. He has the skill to be a decent goal scorer and playmaker, but hasn't been able to repeat the 22 goal and 53 point success of his 2007-08 season. In Carolina, he was barely getting any ice time and saw his role with the team diminished due to the excellent play of Sergei Samsonov, Jussi Jokinen, and rookie Jeff Skinner. Perhaps more ice time in Minnesota can help O'Sullivan increase his offensive production.

Flyers Acquire Syvret, Bordson from Ducks for Laliberte, Maroon

The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have acquired defenseman Danny Syvret and center Rob Bordson from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for right wing David Laliberte and left wing Patrick Maroon. Of the four players involved in the trade, only Syvret has played in the NHL this season, scoring one goal and one assist in six games. All four players will be free agents next summer. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as all four players will likely spend most of this season in the minors. The only exception is Syvret, who could see time with the Flyers if injuries should mount on their blueline.