| Canucks reportedly sign Johnson | Tuesday 7/1, 11:25 PM CT |
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The Canucks have reportedly signed former Blues' center Ryan Johnson, according to the AP. It is said to be a two-year deal worth $2.4 million.
Our View: Johnson only scored five goals and 13 assists over 79 games with St. Louis last season, and isn't likely going to be "fantasy worthy" in Vancouver. |
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| Ryder inks with Bruins | Tuesday 7/1, 9:16 PM CT |
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Former Canadiens' forward Michael Ryder has inked a three-year deal with the Bruins worth $12 million, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: Ryder dipped to 14 goals with Montreal in 2007-08, but he reached 30 in each of his previous two campaigns with the club, and will have a good chance to bounce back with a fresh start in Boston. |
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| Valiquette re-signs with Rangers | Tuesday 7/1, 9:03 PM CT |
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Goalie Stephen Valiquette has re-signed with the Rangers, according to TSN.ca. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.
Our View: Valiquette fared well last season as he went 5-3-3 with a 2.19 GAA, but it looks like his fantasy value will remain limited while serving as Henrik Lundqvist's backup in New York. |
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| Streit scooped up by Islanders | Tuesday 7/1, 7:25 PM CT |
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Mark Streit has inked a five-year deal with the Islanders worth $20.5 million, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: Streit was a top priority for the Canadiens, but the Islanders ultimately snatched him away. The talented defenseman scored 13 goals and 49 assists (62 points) over 81 games with Montreal in 2007-08. |
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| Weller signs with the Wild | Tuesday 7/1, 7:09 PM CT |
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Former Phoenix forward Craig Weller has inked a two-year deal with the Wild worth $600,000, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: Weller only registered three goals and eight assists over 59 contests with the Coyotes last season, but he made his presence felt with 80 penalty minutes. He should add quality depth to Minnesota's checking line, but his fantasy value will remain low. |
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| Koci added to Lightning | Tuesday 7/1, 6:57 PM CT |
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David Koci has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Lightning, according to TSN.ca. The deal is worth $525,000 in the NHL, and $100,000 in the minors.
Our View: The 27-year-old forward failed to register a goal or an assist over 18 games with the Blackhawks last season, but he did rack up 68 penalty minutes. |
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| Redden inks with Rangers | Tuesday 7/1, 6:49 PM CT |
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Wade Redden has left the Senators and is now a member of the Rangers, according to TSN.ca. He signed a six-year deal worth $39 million.
Our View: He heads to New York following 11-years of service with the Senators. He will add solid depth and leadership to the Rangers. |
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| Holik lands in New Jersey | Tuesday 7/1, 6:27 PM CT |
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Bobby Holik has left the Thrashers as he signed a one-year deal with the Devils worth $2.5 million, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: Holik will provide solid depth and leadership to the Devils, but is not likely going to challenge 20 goals next season, as he only averaged 13.6 over his three campaigns with Atlanta. |
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| Metropolit lands in Philadelphia | Tuesday 7/1, 6:16 PM CT |
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Glen Metropolit has signed a two-year deal with the Flyers, according to TSN.ca. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: The Bruins wanted to re-sign him, but he opted to test the market in free agency. He only scored 11 goals and 22 assists over 82 games last season, but excels as a penalty-killer, and was a solid acquisition for the Flyers. |
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| Hordichuk inks with Vancouver | Tuesday 7/1, 6:10 PM CT |
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Former Nashville forward Darcy Hordichuk has inked a two-year deal with the Canucks, according to TSN.ca. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Hordichuk only scored one goal and two assists over 45 games with the Predators last season, but he registered 60 penalty minutes. |
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| Rozsival re-signs with Rangers | Tuesday 7/1, 6:06 PM CT |
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Michal Rozsival has re-signed with the Rangers, according to TSN.ca. He agreed to a four-year deal worth $20 million.
Our View: The Rangers did not want to lose the tough defenseman, as he contributed 13 goals and 25 assists (38 points) over 80 games with the Rangers in 2007-08, with 80 penalty minutes. |
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| Hagman signed by Leafs | Tuesday 7/1, 6:01 PM CT |
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Niklas Hagman has signed a four-deal with the Leafs worth $12 million, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: The forward racked up 27 goals and 14 assists (41 points) over 82 games with the Stars in 2007-08, and this was a strong addition for Toronto. |
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| Blues match Canucks' offer | Tuesday 7/1, 5:58 PM CT |
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David Backes signed a offer sheet with the Canucks for three-years and worth $7.5 million, but the Blues quickly matched the offer and will retain the restricted free agent, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: The Blues expect Backes to play a major role as part of their youth movement, and the Canucks were unable to snatch him away with their offer. |
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| Rolston lured to New Jersey | Tuesday 7/1, 5:38 PM CT |
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Brian Rolston has inked a four-year deal with the Devils worth $20 million, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: Rolston decided not to sign a contract with the Lightning after the club recently acquired his rights from Minnesota. He scored 31 goals and 28 assists with Minnesota in 2007-08, and has reached the 30-goal plateau in three straight seasons. |
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| Rissmiller added to the Rangers | Tuesday 7/1, 5:27 PM CT |
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Pat Rissmiller has left the Sharks as he signed a deal with the Rangers, according to TSN.ca. Terms were not disclosed.
Our View: The hard-nosed forward registered eight goals and nine assists over 79 games with San Jose in 2007-08, with 30 penalty minutes. He will hold little value to fantasy owners, but will be a solid addition to the Rangers' checking line. |
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| Vaananen signs with Flyers | Tuesday 7/1, 5:15 PM CT |
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Former Colorado defenseman Ossi Vaananen has signed a one-year deal with the Flyers worth $1 million, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: He scored two goals and six assists over 74 games with Colorado in 2007-08, with 69 penalty minutes. He will provide depth the Flyers' solid arsenal of defensemen. |
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| Campbell lands in Chicago | Tuesday 7/1, 4:56 PM CT |
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The Blackhawks have landed star defenseman Brian Campbell, according to TSN.ca. He inked a lucrative eight-year deal worth $56.8 million.
Our View: Campbell was the top defenseman on the free agent market, and he racked up eight goals and 54 assists in 2007-08. |
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| Lalime signs with Sabres | Tuesday 7/1, 4:31 PM CT |
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Patrick Lalime has left the Blackhawks and signed a two-year deal with the Sabres worth $2 million, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: If the team can re-sign Ryan Miller, Lalime will serve as his backup.
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| Hall inks with Tampa Bay | Tuesday 7/1, 4:25 PM CT |
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Former Penguins' winger Adam Hall has inked a three-year deal worth $1.8 million with the Lightning, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: Hall will add solid depth to the Lightning, but will remain a non-factor as a fantasy performer. |
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| Godard added to Penguins | Tuesday 7/1, 4:21 PM CT |
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Enforcer Eric Godard has fled Calgary to join the Penguins, according to TSN.ca. He signed a three-year deal, but financial details were not disclosed.
Our View: He only scored one goal and one assist last season over 74 games, but registered 171 penalty minutes. |
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| Voros inks with Rangers | Tuesday 7/1, 4:16 PM CT |
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Former Minnesota winger Aaron Voros has signed with the Rangers, according to TSN.ca. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: Voros notched seven goals and seven assists over 55 games with the Wild last season, and may end up being Sean Avery's replacement. |
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| Backes gets offer sheet from Canucks | Tuesday 7/1, 4:12 PM CT |
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Blues' forward David Backes has signed an offer sheet with the Canucks, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: The offer is for for three years at $7.5 million, and the Blues have seven days to match or accept a 2nd round draft pick as compensation. |
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| Kolzig joins Lightning | Tuesday 7/1, 4:08 PM CT |
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Goalie Olaf Kolzig has signed a one-year deal with the Lightning worth $1.5 million (plus bonuses), according to TSN.ca.
Our View: Kolzig went 25-21-6 with the Capitals in 2007-08, and will challenge Mike Smith for the starting job in Tampa Bay next season. |
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| Auld inks with Ottawa | Tuesday 7/1, 4:04 PM CT |
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Alex Auld has left the Bruins and has inked a two-year deal (worth $2 million) with the Senators, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: Auld went 12-13-5 with a 2.68 GAA with Boston in 2007-08 and will be Martin Gerber's backup in Ottawa, so his fantasy value will remain low. |
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| Finger signs with Leafs | Tuesday 7/1, 3:59 PM CT |
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Jeff Finger signed a 4-year deal worth $3.5 million to join the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to TSN.
Our View: Finger played 72 unassuming games with the Avalanche last season and mustered just 19 points, 40 PIM and a +12 rating. Expect similar type production in the coming season. |
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| Stillman signs with Panthers | Tuesday 7/1, 3:56 PM CT |
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Cory Stillman decided to leave Ottawa for warmer weather as he moved on to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday as he signed a 3-year, $10.6 million deal with the club, according to ESPN.
Our View: Stillman will hope to help replace the goal scoring lost when Olli Jokinen moved to Phoenix in a daft day deal. Long an underrated scorer, Stillman will hope to stay healthy long enough to post his near point per game scoring average on a line with Stephen Weiss and Nathan Horton. |
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| Tucker signs with Avalanche | Tuesday 7/1, 3:51 PM CT |
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Looking to replace the offense they lost when Andrew Brunette signed with the Wild, the Avalanche signed Darcy Tucker to a 2-year, $4.5 million deal on Tuesday, according to TSN.
Our View: Tucker will be itching to prove his worth after being bought out of his contact by the Leafs last week. Tucker struggled with injury and ineffectiveness last year (18g, 16a), but he still brings grit and a solid scoring touch on the power-play. |
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| Huet moves to Windy City | Tuesday 7/1, 3:18 PM CT |
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Cristobal Huet left the Capitals and joined the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, according to TSN.
Our View: This is an interesting move to say the least. Huet played marvelously down the stretch for the Caps, but the club decided to do with Jose Theodore instead. Huet was thought to be in the market to start, but instead he will apparently be in a time share situation in Chicago with Nikolai Khabibulin, that is unless the Blackhawks plan on moving the Bulin Wall. |
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| Wheeler moves to Boston | Tuesday 7/1, 3:06 PM CT |
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Rookie forward Blake Wheeler signed a contract to join the Bruins on Tuesday, according to ESPN. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Wheeler was the 5th overall selection in 2005 by the Coyotes, but he never came to terms with the club and instead attended the University of Minnesota. Last season he led the Golden Gophers with 15 goals and 20 assists. He will attend developmental camp starting July 8th. |
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| Tough guy signs with Coyotes | Tuesday 7/1, 2:52 PM CT |
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Todd Fedoruk signed a 3-year deal to bring his rough and tumble game to Phoenix, according to TSN.
Our View: Fedoruk spent last year with the Wild and the Stars and put up 13 points and 139 PIM in 69 games. He figures to team with Brian McGrattan and Daniel Carillo to give Wayne Gretzky a rough and tumble bunch. |
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| Brunette returns to Minnesota | Tuesday 7/1, 2:45 PM CT |
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Andrew Brunette has played his last game for Colorado as he chose to sign a 3-year, $7 million deal to join the Minnesota Wild, according to TSN.
Our View: Brunette played for the Wild from 2001-04 before heading to Colorado for three years. Though he slumped to 18 goals last season, Brunette figures to see a lot of power-play time and could team with Marian Gaborik and newly acquired Marek Zidlicky to form one heck of a unit with the man advantage. |
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| Conklin signs with Wings | Tuesday 7/1, 2:34 PM CT |
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Ty Conklin used his great work in Pittsburgh last year as a springboard to flip to the Stanley Cup champion Red Wings on Tuesday when he inked a 1-year deal to join Detroit, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: The Wings got exactly what they were looking for in a backup to Chris Osgood now that Dominik Hasek has called it a career. Conklin will be one of the most sought after backup goalies, one that should be able to post very solid numbers behind an excellent Red Wings defense. |
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| Kostsitsyn signs 3-year deal | Tuesday 7/1, 2:25 PM CT |
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Andrei Kostsitsyn signed a 3-year deal to remain with the Canadiens on Tuesday, according to TSN. The deal is for $3.25 million a year for the former restricted free agent.
Our View: Kostsitsyn came alive in the playoffs with five goals and eight points in 12 games, this after a breakout campaign of 27 goals for the former 10th overall selection (2003). Kostsitsyn figures to skate as at top-6 forward next season, one that should challenge the 30-goal mark. |
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| Raycroft joins the Avalanche | Tuesday 7/1, 2:21 PM CT |
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The Avalanche wasted little time in acquiring a goalie to back up Peter Budaj as they signed Andrew Raycroft to a 1-year, $800,000 deal, according to TSN.
Our View: Raycroft, who 37 games in 2006-07, was limited to just 19 games last season and just two wins serving as Vesa Toskala's backup. He figures to fill the same role behind Budaj this season. |
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| Sundin receives huge offer | Tuesday 7/1, 2:17 PM CT |
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Mats Sundin still hasn't decided if he will play in the upcoming season, but that hasn't stopped the Vancouver Canucks from offering him a massive 2-year, $20 million deal, according to TSN.
Our View: Apparently three other teams have already made offers to Sundin who is still in Sweden pondering his future. Stay tuned. |
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| Sauer now a Coyote | Tuesday 7/1, 2:14 PM CT |
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Kurt Sauer signed a 4-year deal believed to be worth $7 to join the Phoenix Coyotes defensive unit, according to the Associated Press. “We are excited to add Kurt to our defensive corps,” Phoenix GM Don Maloney said. “We see him as someone who can match up against top forwards and handle a lot of ice time.”
Our View: Sauer is another in a long line of stay at home defensemen who have been switching team's without greatly impacting their fantasy value. |
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| Budaj to start in Colorado | Tuesday 7/1, 2:11 PM CT |
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Peter Budaj will more than likely become the Av's starting goalie now that Jose Theodore has signed with the Washington Capitals.
Our View: Budaj was penciled in as the Av's starter last year before Theodore stole his thunder and took over. Even so, Budaj posted a 2.37 GAA over his final nine appearances and should be a perfectly serviceable goalie in the coming year. |
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| Theodore now a Cap | Tuesday 7/1, 2:07 PM CT |
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Jose Theodore wasted little time in decided which team he wanted to sign with as he chose the Washington Capitals where he signed a 3-year, $16 million deal, according to TSN.
Our View: Theodore certainly used a strong season in Colorado to receive a plum job in Washington. With this signing, it seems almost a 100% certainty that Cristobal Huet will not be back with the Caps after a tremendous run with the club after he was acquired from Theodore's old team, the Canadiens. Look for Theodore to be valued at the bottom rung of starting goalies in two starter systems heading into next season. |
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| Gauthier traded to Kings | Tuesday 7/1, 2:01 PM CT |
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Denis Gauthier has been sent, along with a second round draft choice in 2010, to the Los Angeles Kings for two prospects (Patrick Hersley and Ned Lukacevic), according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Gauthier, a physical defensive defenseman, is a nice pickup for the Kings as he could be an asset in the PIM category with substantial ice-time. |
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| Eaton signs with Pens | Tuesday 7/1, 1:57 PM CT |
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Mark Eaton, an unrestricted free agent, signed a 2-year deal worth $2 million, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Injuries have held Eaton to just 71 games the past two years, and even though he tore his ACL and had surgery on June 14th, he is expected to be ready to skate by training camp. |
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| Wellwood signs qualifying offer | Tuesday 7/1, 1:54 PM CT |
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Restricted free agent Kyle Wellwood has signed a 1-year qualifying offer with the Canucks ensuring that he will be part of the organization in the coming season, according to TSN.
Our View: Wellwood was claimed off waivers from the Leafs where he scored eight times on his way to 12 points in 59 games as he dealt with a nagging groin injury for a large portion of the year. If given a top-6 role, his production would figure to rise substantially. |
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| Rolston to test free agency | Tuesday 7/1, 1:01 PM CT |
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Brian Rolston has not signed a contract with the Lightning and has instead informed the team that he will explore free agency, according to TSN.
Our View: Rolston could still ultimately end up with the organization, and given the talent they are assembling up front Rolston would be wise to listen. However, he figures to be one of the most hotly pursued players on the market in what will likely be his last chance at a big contract. |
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| CuJo going back to Leafs | Tuesday 7/1, 12:56 PM CT |
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Goalie Curtis Joseph will sign a 1-year deal to return to his former team, the Leafs, according to Sportsnet.
Our View: CuJo will serve as the backup tender to Vesa Toskala in what could be his final NHL season. He still has something left in the tank and seems ideally suited to fill a backup role given his wealth of experience. |
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| Zidlicky traded to Wild | Tuesday 7/1, 12:52 PM CT |
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Marek Zidlicky was traded from the Predators to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a second round selection and prospect Ryan Jones, according to TSN.
Our View: Interesting. Zidlicky is one of the top-20 scoring defensemen in the NHL and a true power-play quarterback. He will immediately improve the Wild's special teams, and visions of him shooting passes to Marian Gaborik with the man advantage is certainly very appealing. |
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| Gausted signs four year deal | Tuesday 7/1, 12:47 PM CT |
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Paul Gaustad re-signed with the Sabres at a cost of $9.2 million over the next four years, according to TSN. "He is someone who we expect to take a leadership role with this team from the standpoint as an example for younger players and his peers," GM Darcy Regier said.
Our View: Gaustad, the club's seventh round selection in 2000, has scored 28 goals and handed out 54 assists in 215 career games making him a solid solider but not someone to target in fantasy circles. |
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| Vrbata moving to Tampa | Tuesday 7/1, 12:41 PM CT |
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The Lighting continued their spending spree by adding offensive weapon Radim Vrbata to the fold on Monday as they signed him to a $9 million, three year deal, according to TSN.
Our View: Verbata scored 27 goals in 2006-06, so it was a bit of a surprise to see him tally 27 markers last season. Still, he was on pace to scored well into the 30's before registering only six goals in his last 32 contests. He figures to be a solid second line presence with a chance to put up some prime time numbers playing with some talented linemates. |
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| Perry back with Ducks | Tuesday 7/1, 12:23 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, Corey Perry has indeed singed on to remain with the Anaheim Ducks, according to Slam Sports. The deal is for $26.625 million over the next five years. "Corey is one of the top young players in the NHL today," said GM Brian Burke. "He's a true Duck, a hard-nosed goal-scorer who's difficult to play against."
Our View: The team bought out veteran Todd Bertuzzi to help clear some salary cap space to sign Perry, one of the foundational blocks of the organization. |
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| Babchuk resigns with Canes | Tuesday 7/1, 12:20 PM CT |
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Anton Babchuk agree to a 1-year, $1 million extension to remain with the Hurricanes, according to the Associated Press. Babchuk skated in the Russian Superliga last season. “Anton had a good year in the Russian Superliga,” Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said. “He played well at times with us two seasons ago and now, at 24 years old, it is his time to mature into a consistent NHL defenseman.”
Our View: It's tough to know what to expect here, but Babchuck would appear to have limited upside on offense and therefore minimal fantasy value. |
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| Bourque traded to Flames | Tuesday 7/1, 12:17 PM CT |
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Rene Bourque was acquired by the Flames on Tuesday in exchange for a second round draft pick, according to TSN. "Rene is a young player with size who will play in our top nine forwards," said Flames GM Darryl Sutter. "He will be an important part of the remaking of our left side along with other young players already under contract."
Our View: Bourque scored 10 goals and 24 points last season and now has 75 points in 183 career games. There is still some upside here, but we may be talking about 20-goals and not 30. |
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| Pitkanen now a Hurricane | Tuesday 7/1, 12:13 PM CT |
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Joni Pitkanen has been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward Erik Cole, according to TSN. "Joni is the type of puck-moving, offensive player we hoped to add to our defensive corps," said Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford. "He is a proven NHL player who will join Joe Corvo in strengthening our power play."
Our View: Pitkanen was deemed expendable with the Oilers signing of Lubomir Visnovsky, and he takes his game to Carolina where he will help to make up for the loss of the recently retired Glen Wesley. Pitkanen could return to the 40-point plateau if given more time on the power-play. |
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| Cole moved to Oilers for Pitkanen | Tuesday 7/1, 12:09 PM CT |
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Erik Cole has been traded to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for defensemen Joni Pitkanen, according to TSN.
Our View: With Raffi Torres traded to Columbus, Cole will slide into the opening on left wing to provide as much grit and substantially more offense than the departed forward. With health, we would expect Cole to return to the 30-goal form he flashed in 2005-06. |
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| Stuart resigns with Wings | Tuesday 7/1, 12:02 PM CT |
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Brad Stuart has reportedly reached a deal with the Red Wings to remain in Detroit, according to the Detroit News. Details of the contract place it at 4-years, $15 million.
Our View: Stuart was said to have wanted to return to the West Coast, but sipping from the Cup must have changed his mind. Stuart should take over a bigger role in '08-'09 with Chris Chelios having his ice-time cut down marking Stuart as a solid mid round gamble. |
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| Leclaire still working on extension | Tuesday 7/1, 11:59 AM CT |
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Pascal Leclaire and the Blue Jackets continue to try and work out a contract extension, according to the Columbus Dispatch. "I can tell you that the goal on our part is to get him signed and playing for the Blue Jackets," agent Don Meehan said.
Our View: Leclaire may have only gone 24-17-6 last year, but he was second in the league with nine shutouts to along with a stellar set of ratios (.919 SV% and 2.25 GAA). He will likely want big dollars even though his career record is minimal after that performance, so it remains to be seen what will happen. |
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| Blue Jackets targeting Redden | Tuesday 7/1, 11:55 AM CT |
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Wade Redden is on the Blue Jackets radar and they will apparently make him a "significant" offer, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Our View: Redden is unlikely to be back with the Senators unless he drastically reduces his asking price, and given the fact that teams like the Jackets are willing to throw money at him, don't expect the lifelong Senator to return to Ottawa. |
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| Brule traded for Torres | Tuesday 7/1, 11:45 AM CT |
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The Blue Jackets Gilbert Brule was traded to the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday in exchange for Raffi Torres, according to Slam Sports.
Our View: A once highly touted and dynamic playmaker, Brule has failed to do anything at all (32 points in 146 games) in what has to be deemed a bitterly disappointing start to a career for a player drafted #5 overall in 2005. He was in desperate need of a fresh start and being traded to Edmonton, where he was born, could be just the trick to unleash the talent. |
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| Torres traded for Brule | Tuesday 7/1, 11:41 AM CT |
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The Oilers Raffi Torres was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday in exchange for Gilbert Brule, according to Slam Sports.
Our View: Torres was held to just 32 games last season after tearing his ACL in December. He brings some limited offensive skills, a ton of grit, and a boatload of leadership, traits the up and coming Jackets can certainly use. |
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| Wolski to play C if Sakic retires | Tuesday 7/1, 11:37 AM CT |
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Wojtek Wolski will move over to the center position if captain Joe Sakic calls it a career, according to the Denver Post. "It's in our interest to give [Sakic] the time he needs," GM Francois Giguere said.
Our View: The organization still desperately hopes that Sakic will return. Wolski, who followed up a 22 goal rookie season with 18 scores last year, will be entering his third season looking to take the next step after averaging 49 points the past two years. |
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| Theodore not in Avs plans | Tuesday 7/1, 11:30 AM CT |
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Free agent Jose Theodore has almost certainly played his last game in an Avalanche uniform, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Peter Budaj will enter camp as the starter and figures to get the bulk of the workload unless the team does something unexpected and brings in another top-shelf keeper. Budaj should reside right in the middle of the second goalie pool in 2008-09. |
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| Malkin agrees to extension | Tuesday 7/1, 11:27 AM CT |
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Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins have reached an agreement in principle to sign the scoring star to a 5-year contract extension, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Terms of the deal haven't been announced, but it is believed that the deal will very closely resemble the 5-year, $43.5 million deal of Sidney Crosby.
Our View: It's fitting that both stars sign similar contracts since both are equally important to the team's goal of once again hoisting the Stanley Cup. Malkin really stepped up this season when Crosby went down with an injury, and overall he scored 47 goals and totaled 106 points. He is a top-5 selection no matter the format in 2008. |
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| Dupuis to stay with Pens | Tuesday 7/1, 11:23 AM CT |
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Pascal Dupuis has signed a 3-year deal to remain with the Penguins, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Dupuis could take on a more offensive role this year with the recent loss of forwards Gary Roberts and Ryan Malone, but he has only one 20-goal season in his career, so it would be wise to temper expectations. |
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| Hossa on Oilers radar | Tuesday 7/1, 11:13 AM CT |
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The bidding for free agent forward Marian Hossa figures to be fierce, and one of the teams likely to be in on the sweepstakes are the Edmonton Oilers, according to the Calgary Herald.
Our View: The Oilers are reportedly willing to throw up to $9 million a year at Hossa who would team with Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff to form a dynamic scoring line. However, with almost every team in the league interested, Hossa could receive more dollars and or a better chance to win the Cup if he signed with another team. |
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| Blake wanted in LA | Tuesday 7/1, 11:08 AM CT |
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Rob Blake is wanted in Los Angeles, and the team wants him back as long as he understands the role he will be asked to play, according to the Los Angeles Times. "I think it's great if he does want to come back, but I don't think it's fair unless we're exactly on the same page," GM Dean Lombardi said. "The incredible influence that he can have on young players . . . it's critical that he understand the role.
Our View: The team would love the aging Blake to mentor second year defensmen Jack Johnson as well as having him work with youngster Peter Harrold and Alec Martinez. Blake is still worth attention on draft day, but he is no longer an All-Star caliber performer. |
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| Salvador stays with Devils | Tuesday 7/1, 11:04 AM CT |
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Bryce Salvador agreed to a 4-year contract extension with the Devils worth $11.6 million on Tuesday, according to TSN. The Devils also resigned Jay Pandolfo, David Clarkson and Barry Tallackson.
Our View: Salvador is not worthy of any interest in the fantasy game coming off a season of 11 points and 54 PIM, but he is a valuable option in the real world on the ice. |
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| Green signs 4-year deal | Tuesday 7/1, 10:58 AM CT |
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Mike Green has put his name on the dotted line for a 4-year year, $21 million contract to remain with the Capitals, according to ESPN. "Mike has developed into an impact defenseman in the short time since we drafted him, and he will be a key part of our team moving forward," general manager George McPhee said.
Our View: This is a pretty big contract for a guy who entered last season with just 15 points scored. Green took his game to a whole other level last season though with 18 goals and 56 points for the Caps. He should continue to run the power-play with Alexander Ovechkin and produce stellar numbers. |
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| Murray still a Bruin, for now | Tuesday 7/1, 7:56 AM CT |
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Glen Murray was not bought out of his contract by the Bruins but there still remains a 48 hour window where it could be revisited upon the completion of Dennis Wideman's arbitration case, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Basically, as soon as Wideman's case is finalized, the clock starts ticking for Murray. The team will therefore have a bit of time to decide if they want to bring back Murray and his $4 million plus contract a year after he was limited to just 17 goals and 30 points in 63 injury filled games. |
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| Perry to resign with Ducks | Tuesday 7/1, 7:39 AM CT |
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Corey Perry is on the verge of signing Corey Perry to a long-term deal, according to TSN. No dollar figures are yet known, but TSN is reporting that the offer on the table is very close to the one that the team signed Ryan Getzlaf to last season, one that is worth over $5 million annually.
Our View: Perry was on his way to a breakout campaign last season before he suffered a leg injury, but he still scored 29 goals, including 11 on the power-play, while chipping in 108 PIM. He is a rising star. |
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| Sundin unsure about future | Tuesday 7/1, 7:34 AM CT |
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Mats Sundin has yet to decide which team he will play for in the coming season as he hasn't even yet decided if he will continue his NHL career, according to the Toronto Star. "Mats has made no decision on whether he will play next year," agent J.P. Barry said last night. "He needs more time to decide if he will play or not. As a result, he has informed Montreal and Toronto that he cannot make any decisions or commitments at this time."
Our View: Sundin will become an unrestricted free agent at noon, but this is clearly a case of a player who is unsure of his future, not one looking for better bargaining power. We will continue to monitor his progress until a decision is reached. |
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| Shanahan to return home? | Tuesday 7/1, 7:29 AM CT |
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Brendan Shanahan looks likely to continue his career this coming season, and the team with the inside track to sign him just might be the New Jersey Devils, according to the New York Post.
Our View: Shanahan began his career with the club back in 1987-88, when he was more of a tough guy than a scorer. It would be a fitting end to a HOF career for Shanahan to return home, and he still would bring some game with him as he scored 23 times last season, with 11 on the power-play, for the Rangers. |
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| Campbell on radar of Devils | Tuesday 7/1, 7:22 AM CT |
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Add the Devils to the list of teams interested in the services of free agent Brian Campbell, according to the New York Post. "We did have discussions. I'm not sure if Lou is going to make an offer, but we'd be receptive to listening," agent Larry Kelly said.
Our View: Campbell will be the top target of many clubs after last seasons 62 points, including 33 on the power-play. The Devils might also make a play for Mike Commodore if they are unable to bring back Bryce Salvador. |
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| Shelley resigns with Sharks | Tuesday 7/1, 7:16 AM CT |
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Tough guy Jody Shelley was rewarded with a two year contract for his work with the Sharks, according to the Mercury News. The deal is for $725,000 for each of the next two years. "He is one of the most respected players in our room because of his team-first attitude and his willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done," Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson said.
Our View: Shelley is basically a non entity in terms of fantasy production. He was once a prodigious fighter but he only had 135 PIM last season, and his seven points certainly aren't going to get anyone excited. Great guy, great teammate, poor fantasy option. |
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