Archive for category NHL Opinion

Paul Martin Signs with Pittsburgh Penguins

Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Trades on July 1st, 2010

Paul Martin has signed a deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The deal is reported to be 5 years, $25 Million dollars. This would be a $5 Million dollar cap hit.

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Tampa Bay Signs Goaltender Dan Ellis

Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on July 1st, 2010

Steve Yzerman is continuing to make a splash in the free agent market signing goaltender Dan Ellis to a 2 year deal reportedly worth $1.5 Million dollars.

Ellis was traded to the Montreal Canadiens last week for Jaro Halak but was unwilling to play back up to Carey Price.

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Derek Morris Re-Signs in Phoenix

Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on July 1st, 2010

Derek Morris has re-signed with the Phoenix Coyotes to a 4 year, $11 Million dollar contract extension. This work out to a $2.75 Million dollar cap hit.

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San Jose Sharks sign Goaltender Antero Niittimaki

Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010

The San Jose Sharks have signed Goaltender Antero Niittimaki to a 2 year, $4 Million dollar deal.

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The Montreal Canadiens sign Goaltender Alex Auld

Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010

The Montreal Canadiens sign Goaltender Alex Auld to a 1 year, 1 Million dollar deal. Look for Dan Ellis to sign elsewhere.

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6 Comments

Tampa Bay Lightning Re-sign Martin St. Louis

Posted by Derek in NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed veteran winger Martin St. Louis to a 4 year contract extension, keeping the diminutive sniper locked up for the next 5 years. The money involved is $22.5 million, with a $5.625 million cap hit.

More solid work from Steve Yzerman.

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Ottawa Senators sign Sergei Gonchar

Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Trades on July 1st, 2010

Veteran defenceman Sergei Gonchar has signed a three-year contract with the Ottawa Senators worth $5.5 million per year.

The contract also includes a no-trade clause. Gonchar had 11 goals and 39 assists for the Pens last season. This gives the Sens a great puck-moving defencemen for the power play for the next couple years, after which they will likely be in the re-building mode.

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3 Comments

Lightning Trade Defencemen Andrej Meszaros

Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Trades on July 1st, 2010

“The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded defenceman Andrej Meszaros to the Philadelphia Flyers for a second round pick.

Meszaros, 24, had six goals and 11 assists in 81 games with the Lightning last season.”(Source-Tsn)

Steve Yzerman continues to shape the Tampa Bay Lightning into the team he envisions. For a first year GM, Yzerman is showing he isn’t afraid to make moves.

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Rumors from Leafland

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010

  • Domien Cox via Twitter: Cox thinks the Maple Leafs could look at Paul Martin, ahead of Dan Hamhuis, if the bidding isn’t crazy.
  • Mark Seidel via Twitter: Raffi Torres has been telling people that he’ll be signing the Maple Leafs on July 1st.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Talks between Nikolai Kulemin and the Maple Leafs are progressing but ‘a deal is not imminent’. Those talks have been put on hold as Nonis and Burke prepare for today. Kulemin still thinks he should be paid like a first line winger, in the $3 million range. John Mitchell, Wayne Primeau and Jamie Lundmark will hit the free agent market. The Leafs may revisit them later on if they are not signed, and other Leaf options don’t work out.
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Likely targets for Brian Burke and the Maple Leafs: Colby Armstrong, Raffi Torres, and Dan Hamhuis. ‘Next in Line’ for Leafs: Manny Malhotra, Paul Martin, Aaron Asham. ‘Longshot’ Ilya Kovalchuk.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: It could be a slow free agent day for the Leafs. It’s speculated that Burke has no interest in Kovalchuk, too much money for too long of term. With a weak free agent class, Burke and Nonis seem more focused on trades. Possible free agent targets could be Matthew Lombardi, Colby Armstrong, Dan Hamhuis and Paul Martin.

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7 Comments

2010 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Opinion on June 18th, 2010

Ilya Kovalchuk tops the list of 2010 NHL unrestricted free agents. Our NHL free agents list will keep you up-to-date with NHL free agency in 2010. We’ll be updating NHL free agents signings as they occur.

Forwards | Defense | Goaltenders

Player
Age
09-10 Team
Pos.
09-10 Cap Number
 Notes
Ilya Kovalchuk 27 NJ LW $7,500,000  
Patrick Marleau   SJ C $6,300,000 Re-signed with the Sharks. 4 years, $27.6 million.
Paul Kariya 35 STL LW $6,000,000  
Olli Jokinen 31 NYR C $5,500,000 Signs with the Flames. 2 years, $6 million.
Marc Savard   BOS C $5,000,000 Re-signed with the Bruins. 7 years, $28.05 million.
Alexander Frolov 28 LA LW $4,000,000 Signs with the Rangers. 1 year, $3 million.
Pavol Demitra 35 VAN RW $4,000,000 Signed with in the KHL
Milan Hejduk   COL RW $4,000,000 Re-signed with the Avalanche. 1 year, $3 million.
Vyacheslav Kozlov 38 ATL LW $3,850,000  
Ray Whitney 38 CAR LW $3,550,000 Signed with the Coyotes. 2 years, $6 million.
Fredrik Modin 35 LA LW $3,500,000  
Lee Stempniak 27 PHO RW $3,500,000 Re-signed with the Coyotes. 2 years, $3.8 million.
Saku Koivu 35 ANA C $3,250,000 Re-signed with the Ducks. 2 years, $5 million.
Markus Naslund   NYR LW $3,000,000  
Matt Cullen 33 OTT C $2,800,000 Signed with the Wild. 3 years, $10.5 million.
John Madden 37 CHI C $2,750,000 Signed with the Wild. 1 year, $1 million plus $250K in bonuses
Tomas Plekanec   MON C $2,750,000 Re-signed with the Canadiens. 6 years, $30 million.
Raffi Torres 28 BUF LW $2,750,000 Signed with the Canucks. 1 year, $1 million.
Owen Nolan 38 MIN RW $2,750,000  
Alexei Ponikarovsky 30 PIT LW $2,500,000 Signs with the Kings. 1 year, $3 million ($3.2 mill. cap hit)
Alex Tanguay 30 TB LW $2,500,000 Signed with the Flames. 1 year, $1.7 million.
Fernando Pisani 33 EDM RW $2,500,000 Signed with the Blackhawks. 1 year, $500,000
Scott Walker 36 WASH RW $2,500,000  
Matthew Lombardi 28 PHO C $2,350,000 Signed with the Predators. 3 years, $10.5 million.
Marek Svatos 27 COL RW $2,350,000  
Darcy Tucker   COL LW $2,300,000  
Chris Higgins   NYR C $2,250,000 Signed with the Flames. 1 year, $1.6 million.
Mike Modano 40 DAL C $2,250,000 Signed with the Red Wings. 1 year , $1.25 million plus $500K in bonuses
Tomas Holmstrom   DET LW $2,250,000 Re-signed with the Red Wings. 2 year, $3.75 million.
Keith Tkachuk 39 STL LW $2,150,000 Retired
Jeff Halpern 34 LA C $2,000,000  
Doug Weight 39 NYI C $2,000,000 Re-signed with the Islanders. 1 year, $825,000.
Bill Guerin 39 PIT RW $2,000,000  
Teemu Selanne 39 ANA RW $2,000,000 Re-signed with the Ducks. 1 year, $3.25 million, plus $1.25 million in bonuses
Ruslan Fedotenko 31 PIT LW $1,800,000  
Eric Belanger 32 WAS C $1,750,000  
Matt Stajan   CAL C $1,750,000 Re-signed with the Flames. 4 years, $14 million.
Petr Sykora   MIN RW $1,600,000  
Brendan Morrison 34 WASH C $1,500,000  
Jason Williams   DET C $1,500,000  
Jere Lehtinen   DAL LW $1,500,000  
Steve Ott   DAL LW $1,500,000 Re-signed with the Stars. 4 years , $11.8 million.
Todd Bertuzzi   DET RW $1,500,000 Re-signed with the Red Wings. 2 years, $3.875 million
Wayne Primeau 34 TOR C $1,400,000  
Rene Bourque   CAL LW $1,400,000 Re-signed with the Flames. 6 years, $20 million.
Jamal Mayers 35 CAL RW $1,400,000 Signed with the Sharks.
Clarke MacArthur 24 ATL LW $1,400,000 Signed with the Maple Leafs. 1 year, $1.1 million.
Derek Boogaard 28 MIN LW $1,250,000 Signed with the Rangers. 4 years, $6.5 million.
Ryan Johnson   VAN C $1,200,000  
Kyle Wellwood 27 VAN C $1,200,000  
Matt Cooke   PIT LW $1,200,000 Re-signed with the Penguins. 3 years
Mike Grier   BUF RW $1,200,000 Re-signed with the Sabres. 1 year, $1.4 million.
Mike Comrie 29 EDM C $1,125,000  
Vaclav Prospal 35 NYR C $1,100,000 Re-signed with the Rangers. 1 year, $2.1 million
Craig Conroy 38 CAL C $1,000,000 Re-signed with the Flames. 1 year,
Glen Metropolit 36 MON C $1,000,000 Signed with EV Zug of the Swiss League
Jon Sim 32 NYI LW $1,000,000 Re-signed with the Islanders. 1 year, 2-way
Evgeny Artyukhin 27 ANA RW $1,000,000  
Mark Recchi 42 BOS RW $1,000,000  
Jordin Tootoo   NASH RW $975,000 Re-signed with the Predators. 2 years, $2.5 million.
Marc Pouliot 24 EDM C $925,000 Signed with the Lightning. 1 year.
Sean Bergenheim 25 NYI LW $925,000 Signed with the Lightning. 1 year
Christoph Schubert   ATL LW $900,000  
Steve Begin 32 BOS LW $850,000  
Jim Slater 27 ATL C $840,000  
Ryan Craig 28 TB C $800,000 Signed with the Penguins. 1 year, $500,000.
Brad Winchester 29 STL LW $800,000 Re-signed with the Blues. 1 year, $700,000.
Richard Park 34 NYI RW $800,000  
Adam Mair 31 BUF C $775,000  
Eric Nystrom 27 CAL LW $775,000 Signed with the Wild. 3 years, $4.2 million.
Scott Nichol   SJ C $750,000  
Kirk Maltby 37 DET LW $750,000  
Stephane Veilleux 28 TB LW $750,000  
Jody Shelley 34 SJ LW $725,000 Signed with the Flyers. 3 years, $3.3 million.
Wade Belak   NASH RW $650,000 Re-signed with the Predators
Shean Donovan 35 OTT RW $650,000  
Arron Asham 32 PHI RW $640,000 Signed with the Penguins. 1 year, $700,000
Tim Kennedy 23 BUF LW $635,000 Signed with the Rangers. 1 year, $550,000.
Joel Perrault 27 PHO C $625,000 Signs with the Canucks. 1 year, $510,000.
Craig Weller   MIN RW $625,000  
Jamie Lundmark 29 TOR C $600,000 Signed with the Predators. 1 year, $600,000.
Ryan Shannon   OTT C $600,000 Re-signed with the Senators. 1 year, $625,000
Eric Boulton 33 ATL LW $600,000 Re-signed with the Thrashers.
Raitis Ivanans 31 LA LW $600,000 Signed with the Flames. 2 years, $1.2 million.
David Koci   COL LW $575,000  
Derek MacKenzie 29 CBJ C $550,000  
Toby Petersen   DAL C $550,000 Re-signed with the Stars. 2 years, $1
Stephane Yelle 39 COL C $550,000  
Steve MacIntyre 29 EDM LW $550,000 Signed with the Oilers. 1 year, $500,000.
Brandon Bochenski 28 TB RW $550,000  
Tim Jackman 28 NYI RW $550,000 Signed with the Flames.
Shawn Thornton   BOS RW $550,000 Re-signed with the Bruins. 2 years.
Brian McGrattan 28 CAL RW $547,000  
Cam Paddock 27 STL C $525,000  
Andrew Ebbett 27 MIN C $500,000 Signed with the Coyotes. 1 year.
Alexandre Giroux   WASH C $500,000 Signed with the Oilers. 1 year, $500,000.
Zenon Konopka 29 TB C $500,000 Signed with the Islanders. 1 year
Rich Peverley   ATL C $500,000 Re-signed with the Thrashers. 2 years, $2.6 million.
Michael Ryan 30 CAR C $500,000  
Yan Stastny 27 VAN C $500,000  
Colin Stuart 27 CAL C $500,000 Signed with the Sabres. 1 year, $550,000
Chris Minard 28 EDM LW $500,000  
Warren Peters   DAL LW $500,000 Signed with the Wild
Keith Aucoin   WASH RW $500,000 Re-signed with the Capitals. 2 years, $1.25 million.
Ilkka Pikkarainen 29 NJ RW $500,000  
Alexander Svitov 27 CBJ C    
Alexandre Giroux 29 WASH LW    
Alexei Mikhnov 27 EDM RW    
Andre Benoit 26 Mon LW   Signed with the Senators. 1 year, $550,000
Andre Deveaux 26 TOR C    
Andy Hilbert 29 MIN C   Signed with the NY Islanders. 1 year, $575,000
Barry Tallackson 27 STL RW    
Ben Guite 31 NASH RW   Signed with the Blue Jackets. 1 year, $575,000
Ben Ondrus 28 TOR RW   Signed with the Oilers.
Ben Walter 26 NJ C    
Boyd Kane 32 WASH LW    
Brad May 38 DET LW    
Brett Sterling 26 SJ LW   Signed with the Penguins.
Brian Willsie 32 COL RW    
Brock Radunske 27 EDM LW    
Cam Cunning 25 CAL LW    
Carsen Germyn 28 CAL C    
Charles Linglet 28 EDM LW    
Chris Durno 29 COL C   Signed with the Lightning. 1 year
Christopher Higgins 27 CAL LW    
Cody McCormick 27 BUF C   Re-signed with the Sabres. 1 year , $500,000
Colby Armstrong 27 ATL RW   Signed with the Maple Leafs. 3 years, $9 million.
Colin McDonald 25 EDM RW    
Corey Locke 26 NYR C   Signed with the Senators.
Danny Bois 27 CHI RW    
Danny Irmen 25 MIN C    
Darcy Tucker 35 COL RW    
Darren Haydar 30 UFA RW    
Dave Scatchard 34 NASH C   Signed with the Blues. 1 year, 2-way.
David Brine 25 FLA C    
David Spina 27 PHO LW   Re-signed with the Coyotes. 1 year, $500,000
David Van Der Gulik 27 CAL RW $500,000  
Dean McAmmond 37 NJ LW    
Derek Armstrong 37 STL C    
Dominic Moore 29 MON C   Signed with the Lightning. 2 years, $2.2 million.
Drew Larman 25 BOS C    
Duncan Milroy 27 MIN RW    
Dwight Helminen 27 SJ C    
Eric Boulton   ATL LW   Re-signed with the Thrashers. 1 year, $650,000.
Francis Lessard 31 PHO RW   Signed with the Senators. 1 year, 2-way
Francis Wathier 25 DAL LW    
Gabe Gauthier 26 LA C    
Garth Murray 27 CAL C    
George Laraque   MON RW    
Greg Mauldin 28 NYI C    
Greg Moore 26 COL RW    
Guillaume Lefebvre 29 BOS LW    
Hugh Jessiman 26 NASH RW   Signed with the Blackhawks. 1 year.
Jamie Johnson 28 FLA C    
Janne Lahti 27 MON LW    
Jared Ross 27 PHI C   Signed with the Thrashers.
Jason Ward 31 PHI RW    
Jason Williams 29 DET RW   Signed with the Rangers. 1 year, $515,000
Jed Ortmeyer 31 SJ RW    
Jeff Cowan 33 BUF RW    
Jeff Hoggan 32 PHO LW    
Jere Lehtinen 37 DAL RW    
Jeremy Reich 31 NYI LW   Signed with the Bruins. 1 year
Jeremy Williams 26 DET C    
Jeremy Yablonski 30 OTT RW    
Joey Crabb 27 ATL RW   Signed with the Maple Leafs
Jon DiSalvatore 29 MIN RW   Re-signed with the Wild
Josh Gratton 27 ATL LW    
Josh Hennessy 25 OTT C    
Justin Fletcher   STL C    
Krys Kolanos 28 PHI C    
Kyle Calder 31 ANA LW    
Kyle Greentree 26 CHI LW   Signed with the Capitals.
Kyle Wellwood 27 VAN C    
Kyle Wilson 25 WAS C   Signed with the Blue Jackets.
Manny Malhotra 30 SJ C   Signs with the Canucks. 3 years, $7.5 million with no-trade.
Mark Cullen 31 CHI C   Signed with the Panthers. 1 year, 2-way.
Mark Parrish 33 TB RW    
Martin St. Pierre 26 OTT C    
Marty Sertich 27 COL C    
Mathieu Darche 33 MON LW    
Matt Ellis 28 BUF LW    
Matt Hendricks 29 COL C    
Matt Pettinger 29 VAN LW    
Maxim Afinogenov 30 ATL RW   Signed in the KHL. 5 years.
Mika Pyorala 28 PHI C    
Mike Angelidis 25 CAR LW   Signed with the Lightning. 1 year, $500,000.
Mike Glumac 30 MON C    
Miroslav Satan 35 BOS RW    
Mitch Fritz 29 TB LW   Re-signed with the Lightning.
Nathan Smith 28 MIN C    
P.A. Parenteau 27 NYR LW   Signed with the Islanders. 1 year, $600,000.
Pascal Pelletier 27 STL C    
Quintin Laing 31 WASH LW    
Raffaele Sannitz 27 CBJ C    
Rickard Wallin 30 TOR C    
Riley Armstrong 25 DET RW    
Rob Hennigar 27 CAR C    
Rob Niedermayer 35 NJ C   Signed with the Sabres. 1 year, $1 million.
Robbie Earl 25 MIN LW   Re-signed with the Wild. 1 year, 2-way deal.
Robert Lang 39 PHO C    
Ryan Bayda 29 PIT LW    
Ryan Dingle 26 PHI C    
Ryan Donally 25 ANA LW    
Ryan Hollweg 27 PHO C    
Ryan Johnson 34 VAN C    
Ryan Maki 25 NASH RW    
Ryan Oulahen 25 DET C    
Ryan Stone 25 EDM C   Signed with the Flames. 1 year, $500,000.
Ryan Vesce 28 SJ RW    
Steven Goertzen 26 CAR RW    
Taylor Pyatt   PHO LW    
Tim Brent 26 TOR C    
Tim Conboy 28 CAR RW   Signed with the Sabres. 1 year.
Tim Sestito 25 NJ C    
Tim Stapleton 27 ATL C    
Timofei Shishkanov 27 STL RW    
Trevor Frischmon 28 CBJ C   Re-signed with the Blue Jackets.
Trevor Smith 25 NYI LW   Signed with the Ducks.
Triston Grant 26 NASH LW   Signed with the Panthers.
Tuomas Pihlman 27 NJ LW    
Wyatt Smith 33 PIT C    



Top

Player
Age
09-10 Team
Pos.
09-10 Cap Number
 Notes
Nicklas Lidstrom   DET D $7,450,000 Re-signing with the Red Wings. 1 year
Scott Niedermayer 36 ANA D $6,000,000 Retired
Sergei Gonchar 36 PIT D $5,500,000 Signs with the Ottawa Senators. 3 years, $16.5 million.
Kim Johnsson 34 CHI D $5,300,000  
Pavel Kubina 33 ATL D $5,000,000 Signed with the Lightning. 2 years, $7.7 million.
Paul Martin 29 NJ D $4,500,000 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $25 million.
Rob Blake 40 SJ D $3,500,000 Retired
Brett Clark 33 COL D $3,500,000 Signed with the Lightning. 2 years, $3.2 million.
Willie Mitchell 33 VAN D $3,500,000 Signed with the Kings. 2 years, $7 million.
Mike Rathje 36 PHI D $3,500,000  
Andy Sutton 35 OTT D $3,500,000 Signed with the Ducks. 2 years, $4.5 million.
Marek Zidlicky   MIN D $3,500,000 Re-signed with the Wild. 3 years, $12 million.
Mike Van Ryn 31 TOR D $3,350,000 Retired
Derek Morris 31 PHO D $3,300,000 Re-signs with the Coyotes. 4 years, $11 million.
Ruslan Salei 35 COL D $3,275,000 Signed with the Red Wings. 1 year, $750K plus $350K in bonuses
Adam Foote   COL D $3,250,000  
Henrik Tallinder 31 BUF D $3,250,000 Signed with the Devils. 4 years, $13.5 million.
Anton Volchenkov 28 OTT D $3,200,000 Signs with the Devils. 6 years, $25.5 million.
Toni Lydman 32 BUF D $3,150,000 Signed with the Ducks. 3 years, $9 million.
Denis Grebeshkov 25 NASH D $3,150,000 Signed with SKA of the KHL
Randy Jones 28 LA D $3,000,000 Signed with the Lightning. 1 year, $1 million.
Joe Corvo 33 WASH D $2,750,000 Signed with the Hurricanes. 2 years, $4.5 million.
Dan Hamhuis 27 NASH D $2,500,000 Signs with the Canucks. 6 years, $27 million.
Brian Pothier 33 CAR D $2,500,000 Signed with the Swiss League
Aaron Ward 37 ANA D $2,500,000 Retired
Adrian Aucoin   PHO D $2,250,000 Re-signed with the Coyotes. 2 years.
Rostislav Klesla   CBJ D $2,250,000 Re-signed with the Blue Jackets. 4 years, $11.9 million.
Dennis Seidenberg   BOS D $2,250,000 Re-signed with the Bruins. 4 years, $13 million.
Mark Eaton 33 PIT D $2,000,000 Signed with the Islanders. 2 years, $5 million.
Shaone Morrisonn 27 WASH D $1,975,000 Signed with the Sabres. 2 years.
Brad Lukowich 33 VAN D $1,800,000 Signed with the Stars
Jordan Leopold 29 PIT D $1,750,000 Signed with the Sabres. 3 years, $ 9 million.
Garnet Exelby 28 TOR D $1,725,000  
Niclas Wallin   SJ D $1,725,000  
Paul Mara 30 MON D $1,675,000  
Andrew Ference   BOS D $1,625,000 Re-signed with the Bruins. 3 years, $6.75 million.
Mathieu Schneider 41 PHO D $1,550,000  
Nick Boynton 31 CHI D $1,500,000 Re-signed with the Blackhawks. 1 year, $500,000
Zbynek Michalek 27 PHO D $1,500,000 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $20 million.
Stephane Robidas   DAL D $1,500,000 Re-signed with the Stars. 4 years, $13.2 million.
Lukas Krajicek 27 PHI D $1,475,000  
Carlo Colaiacovo 27 STL D $1,400,000 Re-signed with the Blues. 2 years, $4.25 million.
Milan Jurcina 27 WAS D $1,375,000 Signed with the Islanders.
Andreas Lilja 34 DET D $1,250,000  
Sean O’Donnell 38 LA D $1,250,000 Signs with the Flyers. 1 year, $1 million.
Nathan Paetsch 27 CLB D $1,050,000 Signed with the Panthers.
Jonas Frogren 29 TOR D $900,000  
Brett Lebda 28 DET D $850,000 Signed with the Leafs. 2 years, $2.9 million.
Jay McKee 32 PIT D $800,000  
Mike Weaver 32 STL D $800,000 Signed with the Panthers. 2 years, $1.8 million.
Mike Mottau 32 NJ D $775,000  
Francis Bouillon   NASH D $750,000 Re-signed with the Predators. 2 years , $2.7 million
Shane Hnidy 34 MIN D $750,000  
David Hale 29 TB D $725,000 Signed with the Senators. 1 year, 2-way
Jason Strudwick 34 EDM D $700,000 Re-signed with the Oilers. 1 year
Kurtis Foster 28 TB D $600,000 Signed with the Oilers. 2 years, $3.6 million.
Andrew Hutchinson 30 DAL D $600,000 Signed with the Penguins. 1 year, $500,000.
Freddy Meyer 29 NYI D $600,000 Signed with the Thrashers. 1 year, $600,000
Martin Skoula 30 NJ D $575,000 Signed with Omsk of the KHL
Sheldon Brookbank   ANA D $550,000 Re-signed with the Ducks. 2 years, $1.5 million.
Dan Jancevski 29 DAL D $550,000  
John Scott 27 MIN D $550,000 Signed with the Blackhawks. 1 year, $1 million.
Garrett Stafford 30 DAL D $550,000 Signed with the Coyotes.
Aaron Johnson 27 ED D $540,000  
Matt Carkner   OTT D $500,000 Re-signed with the Senators. 2 years, $1.4 million.
Tim Conboy   CAR D $500,000  
Nate Guenin 27 STL D $500,000 Signed with the Blue Jackets.
Jay Harrison   CAR D $500,000 Re-signed with the Hurricanes. 1 year, $500,000.
Jay Leach 30 SJ D $500,000 Re-signed with the Sharks. 1 year, 2-way deal.
Cory Murphy 32 NJ D $500,000  
Lawrence Nycholat 31 VAN D $500,000  
Mark Ardelan 27 PIT D    
Dean Arsene 29 EDM D   Signed with the Blues.
Drew Bagnall 26 LA D   Signs with the Wild
Drew Bannister 35 OTT D    
Brendan Bell 27 CLB D    
Shawn Belle 25 MON D    
Marc-Andre Bergeron 29 MON D    
Wade Brookbank 32 PIT D    
Joe Callahan 27 SJ D    
Chris Chelios 48 ATL D    
Jassen Cullimore 37 CHI D   Re-signed with the Blackhawks.
Sean Curry 28 PHI D    
Andy Delmore 33 CAL D    
Joe DiPenta 31 BUF D    
Anders Eriksson 35 NYR D    
Brennan Evans 28 ANA D    
Brian Fahey 29 COL D   Signed with the Capitals.
Drew Fata 26 BOS D    
Zach Fitzgerald 25 CAR D    
Rory Fitzpatrick 35 FLA D    
Mark Flood 25 NYI D    
Danny Groulx 29 SJ D    
Alex Henry 30 MON D   Re-signed with the Canadiens. 2 years, $1.025 million
Alex Henry 30 UFA D    
Doug Janik   DET D   Re-signed with the Red Wings
Bryce Lampman 27 STL D    
Ryan Lannon 27 MIN D    
Chris Lee 29 PIT D    
David Liffiton 25 CBJ D    
Mike Lundin   TB D    
Steve McCarthy 29 ATL D    
Nathan McIver 25 VAN D    
Joey Mormina 28 PHI D    
Matt Nickerson 25 EDM D    
Brett Palin 26 CAL D   Signed with the Predators. 1 year, 2-way. $550K NHL, $105K AHL
Richard Petiot 27 CHI D    
Alexandre Picard 24 CAR D   Signed with the Canadiens. 1 year, $600,000.
Joe Piskula 25 LA D    
Mark Popovic 27 ATL D    
Corey Potter 26 NYR D   Signed with the Penguins.
Danny Richmond 25 CHI D   Signed with the Maple Leafs
Brandon Rogers 28 MIN D    
Mathieu Roy 26 FLA D   Signed with the Lightning. 1 year, $600,000.
Brian Salcido 25 ANA D    
Christoph Schubert 28 ATL D    
Jaime Sifers 27 MIN D   Signed with the Thrashers.
Brett Skinner 27 COL D    
Derek Smith 25 OTT D   Re-signed with the Senators
Sean Sullivan 26 PHO D    
Darryl Sydor 38 STL D    
Danny Syvret 25 PHI D    
Derrick Walser 32 TOR D    
Noah Welch 27 ATL D    
Craig Weller 29 FLA D    
Brett Westgarth 28 SJ D    
Andy Wozniewski 30 BOS D    
Nolan Yonkman 29 NASH D   Signed with the Coyotes.



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Player
Age
09-10 Team
Pos.
09-10 Cap Number
 Notes
Evgeni Nabokov 34 PHI G $6,000,000 Signed with the KHL. 4 years, $26 million.
Marty Turco 34 DAL G $5,400,000 Signed with the Blackhawks. 1 year, $1.3 million.
Jose Theodore 33 WASH G $4,500,000  
Vesa Toskala 33 CAL G $4,000,000  
Chris Mason 34 STL G $3,000,000 Signs with the Thrashers. 2 years, $3.7 million.
Dan Ellis 30 MON G $2,000,000 Signs with the Lightning. 2 years, $3 million.
Ray Emery 27 PHI G $1,500,000  
Martin Biron 32 NYI G $1,400,000 Signs with the Rangers, 2 years, $1.75 million.
Jonas Hiller   ANA G $1,300,000 Re-signed with the Ducks. 4 years, $18 million.
Peter Budaj   COL G $1,250,000 Re-signed with the Avalanache. 1 year.
Johan Hedberg 37 ATL G $1,175,000 Signed with the Devils. 1 year, $1.5 million.
Alex Auld 29 NYR G $1,000,000 Signs with the Canadiens. 1 year, $1 million.
Patrick Lalime 35 BUF G $1,000,000 Re-signed with the Sabres. 1 years.
Antti Niemi 25 CHI G $827,000  
Pekka Rinne   NASH G $725,000 Re-signed with the Predators. 2 years, $6.8 million.
Stephen Valiquette 32 NYR G $725,000  
Michael Leighton 29 PHI G $600,000 Re-signed with the Flyers. 2 years, $3.1 million
Antero Niittymaki 30 TB G $600,000 Signs with the Sharks. 2 years, $4 million.
Curtis Sanford 30 MON G $600,000 Re-signed with the Canadiens. 1 year, $550,000.
Brent Johnson   PIT G $525,000 Re-signed with the Penguins. 2 years, $1.2 million.
Yann Danis 29 NJ G $500,000 Signed with the KHL
Andrew Raycroft 30 VAN G $500,000 Signed with the Stars. 2 years, $1.3 million.
Chris Beckford-Tseu 26 FLA G    
Barry Brust 26 MIN G    
Sebastien Caron 30 PHI G    
Andy Chiodo 27 OTT G    
Matt Climie 27 DAL G   Signed with the Coyotes.
Frank Doyle 29 SJ G    
Wade Dubielewicz 31 MIN G    
John Grahame 34 COL G    
Brent Krahn 28 DAL G    
Manny Legace 37 CAR G    
Joey MacDonald 30 ANA G    
Al Montoya 25 PHO G   Re-signed with the Coyotes. 1 year.
Scott Munroe 28 NYI G    
Dany Sabourin 29 BOS G   Signed with the Capitals.
Tyler Weiman 26 COL G   Signed with the Canucks.
Matt Zaba 26 NYR G    



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Spezza for #2 “Outlandish” … Kovalchuk situation … Center options for Gaborik … Price for Penner?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on June 15th, 2010

  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Fluto calling Spezza to Bruins for the 2nd overall pick, “outlandish”.  He gives 5 reasons as to why it won’t happen. Do you think? Not a chance the Bruins would do that. That’s a Maple Leaf style rumor suggested by some crazed fan who calls in to a Fan 590 radio show (and starts off the call with “long time listener, first time caller”) or posted by some anonymous blogger.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils are still talking, but appears he’ll test the market (which doesn’t mean he won’t return to the Devils). Kovalchuk’s agent wouldn`t comment on the reports out of Russia about the supposed KHL offers. LeBrun (and many others) think the LA Kings is the prime landing spot for Kovalchuk, as they have the cap room and are a team that is seriously close to contending. Brian Burke told ESPN that they are not going to be involved in Kovalchuk talks. 10 or more teams have contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs about trading for Tomas Kaberle, but nothing serious at this point, which will probably change by the draft.
  • Timo Seppa and E.J. Hradek of ESPN: The Rangers could use someone to play with Marian Gaborik, and it doesn’t look like anyone on their current rosters is able to fit the bill. One option could be trading for Tim Connelly, though Hradek doesn’t agree with that suggestion. If they could fit it into their cap situation, Patrick Marleau would be worth a look. Tomas Plekanec and Matthew Lombardi may be the best options for the Rangers.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero said talks with his free agents will increase this week. He has 8 UFA’s, with Sergei Gonchar and Matt Cooke drawing the most interest. He’s had preliminary talks with both, and both have shown an interest to return.
  • Tom Awad and E.J. Hradek of ESPN: Everyone and their mother knows that the Montreal Canadiens are a small team and need to get bigger. One off-season option would be for them to trade Carey Price for Oilers winger Dustin Penner (I’m not sure if straight up would work). The Oilers still have the Bulin wall but might be able to include him in a larger deal (I don’t see that happening as he’s a $4 million cap hit for 3 more years). 2 other options could be free agents Alexei Ponikarovsky or Freddy Modin.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: After reviewing a contract offer from the Atlanta Thrashers, Maxim Aginogenov and his agent agree that they are not close on the terms of the deal. The Thrashers and Colby Armstrong are also not close on a deal. There were also reports that Atlanta had signed Swedish winger Fredrick Pettersson, but those are false for the moment at least.
  • Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Vancouver Canucks winger Alex Burrows underwent shoulder surgery last week to repair a torn labrum, and may have to start next season without him. The shoulder started bugging him half way through the season, and affected his play down the stretch and in the playoffs.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Nothing is set in stone yet, but it appears that Doug Weight will be returning to the New York Islanders next season.

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Anton Volchenkov leaving Ottawa?

Posted by Derek in NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on April 25th, 2010

Anton Volchenkov will be a UFA this summer and with Ottawa looking like they will be heading into a re-building phase, his days in the nations capital might be numbered.

According to TSN…. “Anton Volchenkov, Andy Sutton and Matt Cullen are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

The Ottawa Senators would love to keep all three, but sources say that possibility only exists if all three are willing to leave money on the table to stay.

In Volchenkov’s case, NHL general managers are waiting for free agency with tongues wagging.

The 28-year old shutdown defenseman is regarded as one of the toughest men in the league. Volchenkov consistently plays a remarkably hard and very clean game – earning just 38 penalty minutes during the regular season.

A shot-blocking machine, Volchenkov has recorded 1023 blocked shots in the regular season since the NHL starting keeping track of the statistic in 2005-2006. That’s 124 more than his closest rival, Brett Clark of Colorado.” (Source:TSN)

The loss of Volchenkov would be huge for the Sens but this is the reality of the new NHL. All the pieces need to fit together at just the right moment in time, and that time has passed for the likes of Daniel Alfredsson and company.

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Mats Zuccarello Aasen – Remember This Name

Posted by Derek in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on April 17th, 2010

April 17th: TSN from a Damien Cox blog in the Star: Cox is reporting that Mats Zuccarello-Aasen will be signing with the New York Rangers. The deal may not be announced until after the World Hockey Championship. The Maple Leafs offered him a 2-year entry-level contract. Other teams interested were the Red Wings, Oilers and Blackhawks.

April 3rd: Hans Abrahamsson of Swedish site Aftonbladet.se: Through translation … 8 teams have expressed some interest in MZA. Rangers GM Glen Sather has talked with the pint sized forward. Detroit are probably the front runners so far. Six teams are list who have reported interest in MZA; the Maple Leafs, Blackhawks, Avalanche, Bruins, Red Wings and Rangers.

April 2nd: Ansar Khan of MLive: The director of European Scouting for the Detroit Red Wings, Hakan Andersson, has met with Mats Zuccarello-Aasen in Sweden.

April 1st: Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Brian Burke’s remodelling of the Toronto Maple Leafs will continue this off-season, and Cox expects them to keep spending this summer. The Leafs might have another college signing or 2, they’ve already signed 2 who are expected to play for the Marlies next year. There is interest in the Norwegian Hobbit, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, as well as one or two other European free agents.

March 24th: Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs are one of at least 6 teams that are interested in signing the Norwegian Hobbit, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen. Other teams who are reportedly interested in MZA are the Red Wings, Thrashers, Stars, Oilers and Blackhawks. The Leafs are more interested in adding size upfront, but are also on the lookout for potential top 6 forwards.

March 23rd: Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Toronto Maple Leafs  are believed to be one of the teams in hot pursuit along with Detroit, Atlanta, Dallas, Edmonton and Chicago as this begins to turn into this year’s version of the Fabian Brunnstrom Sweepstakes.

March 21st: Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: MZA’s agent is eyeing the Red Wings. Matheson thinks the Wings are interested, but would sign him to a 2-way deal. If he didn’t make the team, or like playing in the AHL for $100,000 or so, he would head back to Sweden.

March 19th: Ansar Khan of MLive: Mats Zuccarello-Aasen could be on the Detroit Red Wings radar as a potential free agent acquisition.  MZA’s agent is saying “Detroit is the ‘hottest choice’”, with Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas as other suitors. Mats will look at signing with a team this more offensive minded as it suits his playing style more than a defensive system.

March 7th: There’s a lot of buzz about diminutive Norwegian winger Mats Zuccarello Aasen, and it’s likely he’s headed to the NHL next season. But the question is whether he can be successful at his size — 5-foot-7 and 161 pounds.

Mats Zuccarello Aasen

One Swedish hockey writer had this to say (via Aftenposten), “Look at stars like Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane, to name a few. New rule interpretations and attitudes in the NHL are a benefit to players like them and Mats.”

He caught a lot of eyes at the Olympics, including that of Red Wings VP Steve Yzerman. He told Swedish TV stations (via Aftenposten), “I can not remember his name, but No. 48 in Norway has been very good in the Olympics.”

Yup, that’s Aasen, so now there’s speculation that the Red Wings might be interested in the winger. We already knew several NHL teams were eying the 22-year-old, including the Chicago Blackhawks.

While searching out stats on the diminutive left winger for this article, I found that Hockey DB.com had stats as usual (great site for stats), and they have him listed at 5′ 7″ and 154 pounds. Most NHL defencemen could curl about that much weight, but the “New NHL” does offer some opportunity for the smaller, highly skilled players.

Nicknamed “The Norwegian Hobbitt Wizard”, he has a great set of hands and creativity that is always required for a small player to gain as much notoriety has he already has.

Here’s a little sample of his play, courtesy of Youtube.com.

His stats for Modo are impressive too, considering the amount of games played he’s better than a point per game average.

We’ll be keeping an eye on Aasen, along with a variety of other European and U.S. College free agents as the season continues. This is where an NHL team, like the Detroit Red Wings, can really set themselves apart with quality scouting.

Players that can contribute in the NHL, without using draft picks to acquire them, are at a premium for teams trying to re-build in todays salary capped NHL.

Look for a tab in our “Features” section in the near future for more articles like this one, as we compile a list of the best eligible players outside of the NHL, and see where they might fit in in the future.

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Keith Tkachuk Announces Retirement

Posted by Derek in NHL News, NHL Opinion on April 7th, 2010

“Keith Tkachuk has decided to hang up his skates.

With the St. Louis Blues eliminated from the playoffs, the 18-year veteran made the announcement during the teams’ game against the Blackhawks in Chicago on Wednesday night. Tkachuk was a scratch for the game with a lower-body injury and will play his last game in St. Louis on Friday.” (Source: TSN)

Tkachuk was originally drafted 19th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the in 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He played in 89 career playoff games, scoring 28 goals and 28 assists. The 38-year-old has 538 career goals, with 525 assists and 2,219 penalty minutes over his 1,200 career NHL games for the Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues and Atlanta Thrashers. In addition, he played in five All-Star games and four Winter Olympics, helping the United States to a silver medal in 2002 at the Salt Lake games.

Time catches up to all of us eventually, and we would like to salute Tkachuk for a solid career and knowing when to hang up the blades.

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Vancouver Canucks Sign Goaltender Eddie Lack

Posted by Derek in NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on April 5th, 2010

“Swedish newspaper Expressen is reporting that the Vancouver Canucks have signed free agent goaltender Eddie Lack.

The 6’2” 22-year-old played with Brynas in the Swedish Elite League last season, backing up the league’s best goalie in Jacob Markstrom.” (Source: TSN)

This gives the Canucks another goaltending prospect to compete for the back-up role behind Luongo. Cory Schneider has been less then impressive when he’s had the opportunity to play this season, with a 3.81 GAA and a .915 save % while failing to record a win in two outings. Last season wasn’t much better for Schneider, with 2 wins in 8 starts and a 3.38 GAA with a .877 save%.

The fans in Vancouver will need to be patient with Lack, much like the fans in Toronto have had to be with Jonas Gustavsson, as the learning curve from the Swedish Elite League to the NHL is steep, to say the least.

The one advantage that Gustavsson has had in Toronto is the opportunity to play, and face a lot of shots in the process, accelerating that learning curve. For Lack in Vancouver, the chances will be few and far between, with Roberto Luongo locked up for the long term, until 2021/22 to be exact.

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The Headshot Issue Revisited…

Posted by Derek in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Opinion on March 18th, 2010

When I posted the original  “Headshot Issue..” article on Monday, November 16th, 2009 I surely didn’t anticipate just how much momentum this “hot topic” would generate.

I stand by my opinion in that article, that all the rule changes have unforeseen negative effects that inevitably require more rule changes, that there’s always a “buzz word” that carries the most weight when condemning the accused in the time after an incident and before the NHL, notably Colin Cambell, review the play.

The buzz word this year is “headshot” and now every hit is being fit into that box in one way or another. Everyone from players to coaches to GM’s are using the catch-phrase headshot when sharing their feelings regarding the latest controversial hit, weather the term applies or not seems irrelivent.

Take a look at the play in the video posted below by Mark earler today, it shows the replay of  Brent Seabrook being CHARGED by James Wisniewski. I’m not sure who the Duck’s comentators are but they actually start discussing weather the hit is going to fall under the umbrella of headshots…. What?

I’m not privileged to all the criteria for what constitutes a headshot by league standards but surely this doesn’t qualify. To be completely honest, I kind of felt like Seabrook was selling it a little bit. The tell tale sign being when he goes down to the ice, eyes closed in apparent confusion etc, he puts his arm out to soften the landing… An attempt to maximize the penalty, as all players are instructed to do in these kinds of circumstances.

The point is that no single rule is going to solve all the problems with players being injured and you can’t fit every incident into the same box. The hit by James Wisniewski was clearly intent to injure, and charging, and should be treated as such but it’s a seperate issue from the headshot issue that everyone is talking about. Besides, what footage do you think they’ll be running in the commercials leading up to the next game between the Ducks and Blackhawks? Maybe call it a “rivalry”…

Hockey is a tough game, players get hit hard. Sometimes players go too far and get disciplined for their actions but when the perception is that the incident is part of the bigger problem players then become guilty of all the incidents preceding the one they actually took part in. It will be interesting to see how the NHL handles the possible suspension.

update: Wisniewski suspended 8 games.

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Ovechkin Suspended For 2 Games

Posted by Derek in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Opinion on March 16th, 2010

“The National Hockey League has suspended Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin for two games for his hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Brian Campbell on Sunday afternoon.

While the Capitals were not happy with the suspension, vice president and general manager George McPhee chose not to expand on his feelings.

“We have no problem with the way Alex tried to finish his check. Unfortunately, an injury resulted. We are disappointed with the suspension but do not want to comment further,” McPhee said in a statement Monday.” (Source:TSN)

This feels like Deja Vu to me, but as I stated in an earlier post when The Washington Capitals’ forward Alexander Ovechkin was suspended two games after his knee-on-knee hit with Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Tim Gleason, this is a trend that is going to continue as long as Ovechkin continues to abuse his “star status”.

I’ve watched the replay of this hit on Brian Campbell several times and I can’t even understand why Ovechkin delivered the hit in the first place. Campbell had already moved the puck, which is likely why he didn’t anticipate the hit coming a couple seconds after the fact, but in true Ovechkin style, he recklessly pushed Campbell into the boards to “finish his check”.

Like I said before, I’m a fan of OV’s game but he needs to figure out where the line is, when finishing a check does nothing to impact the play in a positive way for his team.

Judging by his comments, (his comments are detailed below in Mark’s post, along with video of the hit) he still doesn’t even see what was wrong with the play in the first place… That speaks to bigger problem, to say the least.

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Anders Eriksson Acquired by New York Rangers

Posted by Derek in NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Trades on March 3rd, 2010

“New York Rangers have acquired defenseman Anders Eriksson from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for goaltender Miika Wiikman and a seventh round selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

The 35-year old Eriksson will report to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League. He has three assists in 12 games with the Coyotes this season.” (Source:TSN)

This is a move that should push the Rangers deep into the playoffs…? In my opinion, they’d be better off with the 7th round pick.

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Ottawa Senators Acquire Andy Sutton

Posted by Derek in NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Trades on March 2nd, 2010

“The Ottawa Senators have acquired defenceman Andy Sutton from the New York Islanders for a second-round draft pick.

The pick is San Jose’s that Ottawa acquired in the Dany Heatley trade.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity,” Sutton told the Canadian Press. “Being an older player and getting a chance to play on such a great team and have a chance to win the Stanley Cup is a dream come true.” (Source:TSN)

At 6 foot 6 inches tall and 245 lbs, Andy Sutton is a big body and is currently second in the league with 153 blocked shots. He’ll bring some extra toughness to the Senators blueline, and with the playoffs looming, toughness is a commodity that the ‘Sens could definitely use.

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Rangers Claim Alex Auld on Re-entry Waivers

Posted by Derek in NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on February 27th, 2010

“The New York Rangers have claimed Alex Auld on re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars.

Auld, 29, is 9-6-3 with a 3.00 goals against average and .894 save percentage in 21 appearances this season.

A free agent at season’s end, Auld is making $1-million this season, though the Rangers will only be responsible for half of his remaining salary this season, with the Stars picking up the other half. “(Source:TSN)

This move makes sense for the new York Rangers, Lundqvist can’t play every game.

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