The Thrashers have signed free agent forward Nik Antropov, the player GM Don Waddell says was his top priority in free agency, according to an Associated Press report.

The Thrashers signed the 29-year-old Antropov to a multiyear deal on Thursday, one day after trading for defenseman Pavel Kubina. [READ]

Mikhail Grabovski has signed an $8.7M, three-year deal with the Maple Leafs, according to an Associated Press report.

Grabovski reached agreement on Thursday with Toronto had 20 goals and 48 points in 78 games last season, both ranked fourth on the Maple Leafs. [READ]

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with free agent forward Chris Chappell.

Chappell, 21, skated in 68 games with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) last season, registering 38 goals and 38 assists for 76 points, along with 88 penalty minutes. He established career-highs in games played (68), goals (38), assists (38), points (76), and penalty minutes (88). Chappell led Saginaw in goals and points, and tied for second on the team in assists. He also led the team and tied for third in the OHL with 18 power play goals, while his 38 goals tied for eighth in the league. Chappell was selected to represent the Western Conference in the OHL All-Star Classic, and collected one assist in the contest. He posted two, seven-game scoring streaks – from November 7 vs. Ottawa to November 22 at Barrie (three goals and 10 assists) and February 25 vs. Plymouth to March 12 vs. Owen Sound (four goals and four assists) – and recorded 21 multi-point efforts, including his first career hat trick and four-point performance on February 16 at Oshawa (three goals and one assist). In addition, the Pickering, Ontario native recorded two goals and six assists for eight points in eight playoff contests with Saginaw. He tied for the team lead in postseason assists (six) and ranked fourth in postseason points (eight).

The 6-4, 209-pounder has skated in 248 career OHL games with Saginaw, recording 70 goals and 84 assists for 154 points, along with 243 penalty minutes. In 2007-08, Chappell ranked fifth on the Spirit in goals (14) and points (34), and tied for sixth on the team in assists (20). He made his OHL debut against Plymouth on September 21, 2005, and registered his first point with an assist on October 15, 2005, against Owen Sound. Chappell has also tallied four goals and eight assists for 12 points in 22 career postseason contests with Saginaw. [READ]

The Blackhawks have signed John Madden, a center who has spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Devils, according to an Associated Press report.

The 36-year-old Madden signed a one-year contract Thursday. [READ]

The Flames have signed center Garth Murray and minor-league forward Riley Armstrong, according to an Associated Press report on Thursday.

Murray has eight goals and two assists in 116 career NHL games with Phoenix, Florida, Montreal and the New York Rangers. He had 11 goals and 10 assists in 64 games for the AHL San Antonio Rampage. [READ]

The Bruins have signed defenseman Johnny Boychuk to a one-year deal on Wednesday, according to an Associated Press report.

Boychuk won the Eddie Shore Award as the American Hockey League’s outstanding defenseman for the 2008-09 season. He led all AHL defensemen with 20 goals and 45 assists in 78 games. [READ]

Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed defenseman Adrian Aucoin to a one-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are excited to add Adrian Aucoin to our team,” said Maloney. “He is a defenseman who played over 22 minutes per game in Calgary last season. He is an intelligent puck-moving defenseman who will help improve our power play and bring leadership to our locker room.”

Aucoin, 35, registered 10-24-34 with 46 penalty minutes (PIM) in 81 games with the Calgary Flames last season. He ranked second among team defensemen in goals (10), assists (24), points (34), shots (126) and time on ice (22:17).

During the 2007-08 season, Aucoin finished second amongst Flames defensemen in goals (10), assists (25), points (35), third on the team in plus/minus (13) and fifth in power-play goals (5).

The 6-foot-2, 212-pound Aucoin has appeared in 851 career NHL games with Vancouver, Tampa Bay, New York Islanders, Chicago and Calgary, collecting 108-228-336 with 627 PIM. He also recorded 6-11-17 and 22 PIM in 40 career playoff games. Aucoin was named the Chicago Blackhawks captain during the 2006-07 campaign, collecting 4-12-16 in 59 games.

The native of Ottawa, Ontario also represented the Islanders in the 2004 NHL All Star Game. [READ]

On the day Marian Gaborik left Minnesota for good, the Wild signed free-agent right wing Martin Havlat, as reported by the Associated Press.

Havlat, Chicago’s leading scorer last season with 77 points, signed a six-year deal late Wednesday night.

The Wild also signed free-agent defenseman Greg Zanon(notes) to a three-year contract. Zanon had seven goals and 19 assists in three-plus seasons with the Predators. [READ]

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed center Samuel Pahlsson to a three-year contract, club General Manager Scott Howson announced today. As is club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Pahlsson, 31, has registered 54 goals and 92 assists for 146 points with 260 penalty minutes in 557 career NHL games with the Boston Bruins, Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks. He has added 9-19-28 and 54 penalty minutes in 81 career Stanley Cup Playoffs games. In 2008-09, he combined to tally 7-11-18 and 34 penalty minutes in 65 games with the Ducks and Blackhawks. He tallied 2-1-3 and two penalty minutes in 13 regular season games and added 2-3-5 and four penalty minutes in 17 Stanley Cup Playoffs games after joining Chicago at the March 4 trade.

“Sami Pahlsson is a very good two-way center who can play against the top players in the league and strengthens our hockey club at the center ice position,” said Howson. “He won a Stanley Cup with Anaheim two years ago, played in the Finals in 2003 and won a gold medal with Sweden at the last Olympics, so he brings valuable experience at the highest level of competition to our dressing room.”

The 6-foot, 205-pound center was originally Colorado’s 10th pick, 176th overall, in the 1996 Entry Draft. After playing five seasons with MoDo in the Swedish Elite League, Pahlsson made his NHL debut with Boston in 2000-01 and appeared in 17 games with the Bruins before joining the Ducks in November 2000. In 2002-03, he helped the Ducks reach the Stanley Cup Finals and in 2005-06 collected 11-10-21 and 34 penalty minutes in 82 games, setting a career high for goals as Anaheim advanced to the Western Conference Finals. In 2006-07, he registered a career-high 8-18-26 with 42 penalty minutes in 82 games and helped the Ducks win the Stanley Cup championship. That year he was also a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s top defensive forward.

A native of Ange, Sweden, Pahlsson has represented Sweden at numerous international competitions, including the 2006 Olympic Games in which he tallied 2-2-4 in eight games and helped his club win the gold medal. He has also played for Sweden at the 1999 (bronze), 2000, 2004 (silver) and 2005 World Championships and at the 1996 World Junior Championships (silver). [READ]

Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed center Vern Fiddler to a two-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Fiddler, 29, registered 11-6-17 with 24 penalty minutes (PIM) in 77 games with the Nashville Predators last season. Fiddler ranked third on the club in face-off efficiency with a personal best 54.1 winning percentage. He has finished each of the last four seasons with a face-off percentage above 50 percent and was also one of only three Predators to score multiple shorthanded goals (2) and registered a career-high 83 hits.

The 5-foot-11, 201-pound Fiddler has appeared in 305 career NHL games over six seasons with Nashville, collecting 45-48-93 with 190 PIM. He also recorded 1-2-3 and 4 PIM in 13 games with the Predators.

The native of Edmonton, Alberta was also named to the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) All-Rookie team in 2002 while a member of the Roanoke Express. [READ]

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Mathieu Garon to a two-year contract, club General Manager Scott Howson announced tonight. As is club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Garon, 30, has compiled a 94-83-13 record with a 2.84 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and 14 shutouts in 204 career NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins. He split last season between Edmonton (6-8-0, 3.17 GAA, .895 SV% in 15 games) and Pittsburgh (2-1-0, 2.91 GAA, .894 SV% in four games), where he was a member of the Penguins’ Stanley Cup championship team.

“One of our priorities this off-season was to sign an experienced goaltender to team with Steve Mason and by adding Mathieu Garon we have done that,” said Howson. “Mathieu has been a successful goaltender in this league and we think he will be an important addition to our organization.”

The Chandler, Quebec native was the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Rookie of the Year with Victoriaville in 1995-96 and the Canadiens selected him with their second pick, 44th overall, in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. Two years later, he was a QMJHL First Team All-Star, Canadian Major Junior First Team All-Star and Goaltender of the Year. He made his NHL debut with Montreal during the 2000-01 season and spent four years in the Canadiens organization before joining the Kings via trade in 2004.

In 2005-06, he went 31-26-3 with a 3.22 goals-against average, .894 save percentage and four shutouts in 63 games with the Kings, setting career highs for wins and games played. The following year, he missed 21 games due to injury but posted a 13-10-6 mark with a 2.66 goals-against average, .907 save percentage and two shutouts in 32 outings. Garon joined the Oilers prior to the 2007-08 season and compiled a 26-18-1 mark, .2.66 goals-against average, .913 save percentage and four shutouts in 47 games that year. [READ]

Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed goaltender Jason LaBarbera to a two-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

LaBarbera, 29, posted a record of 8-10-6 with a 2.78 goals against average (GAA), a .901 save percentage (SV%) and two shutouts in 28 games last season with the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks. After beginning the season with Los Angeles, LaBarbera was traded to Vancouver on Dec. 30, 2008 and went on to post a 3-2-2 record with a 2.66 GAA and a .915 SV% in nine games with the Canucks.

In 107 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles and Vancouver, LaBarbera has compiled a record of 37-44-10 with a 2.97 GAA, a .902 SV% and four shutouts.

Labarbera has also appeared in 247 career America Hockey League (AHL) games with Hartford and Manchester, posting a record of 131-75-20 with a 2.15 GAA, a .928 SV% and 28 shutouts. He was awarded the 2004 Les Cunningham Award as the AHL Most Valuable Player while also receiving the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Award as the League’s Outstanding Goaltender following the 2003-04 and 2006-07 seasons. In addition, he is a two-time First Team AHL All-Star and set the AHL record for shutouts in a season with 13 in 2003-04.

A native of Burnaby, British Columbia, LaBarbera was originally drafted by the New York Rangers in the third round (66th overall) of the 1998 Entry Draft. Prior to his professional career, LaBarbera spent four seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with Tri-City, Portland and Spokane, compiling a record of 62-58-14. He was a member of Portland’s 1998 Memorial Cup Championship team and was named a WHL All-Star in 1999-00. [READ]

Brian Burke, president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Wednesday that the hockey club has acquired defenceman Garnet Exelby and forward Colin Stuart from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for defenceman Pavel Kubina and forward Tim Stapleton.

Exelby, a 6-1, 210 pound defenceman, played in 59 games for Atlanta this season registering seven assists and 120 penalty minutes. The 27-year-old native of St. Anne, Manitoba led the Thrashers in hits (151) and was third on the team in blocked shots (99). In 357 career NHL games, all with Atlanta, Exelby registered 46 points (six goals, 40 assist) and 511 penalty minutes. He was originally the Thrashers ninth choice, selected 217th overall in the 1999 Entry Draft.

Stuart, a 23-year-old from Rochester, Minnesota split the 2008-09 season between the Thrashers and the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League. In 33 games with Atlanta, the 6-2, 205 pound forward registered five goals, three assists and eight points with 18 penalty minutes. In 42 AHL games, he had 15 points on nine goals and six assists along with 38 minutes in penalties. He was selected 135th overall by Atlanta in the 2001 Entry Draft

Kubina spent three seasons (2006-09) with the Maple Leafs. This past season Kubina played in 82 games for Toronto registering 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists) and 94 penalty minutes.

Stapleton played the majority of the season with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. He saw action in four games for the Maple Leafs and scored one goal. [READ]

The New York Rangers are already spending the money saved when Scott Gomez was traded to the Montreal Canadiens, handing it over to flashy forward Marian Gaborik.

New York made its usual splash in the free-agent market Wednesday night by signing Gaborik, who scored a career-high 42 goals in the 2007-08 season with the Minnesota Wild. He was limited to 17 games last season due to injuries. [READ]

Unrestricted free agent defenceman Mike Komisarek has agreed to terms on a five year contract with the Maple Leafs according to team President and General Manager Brian Burke.

“We are extremely pleased to add a player with Mike’s ability and leadership qualities to our lineup,” said Burke. “He’s a respected competitor in this league and we know that he will bring his hard-nosed approach to our team on a consistent basis.” [READ]

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed forward Steve Sullivan to a two-year, $7.5 million contract.

Sullivan, 34 (7/6/74), has posted 190 points (73g-117a) in 191 points with the Predators since being acquired by the club on Feb. 14, 2004. He has helped lead Nashville to four playoff appearances in five seasons and a 110-60-21 record in that span. Just two weeks ago, the 5-9, 173-pound right wing won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy given “to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey,” becoming the first Nashville Predator to win an NHL award.

Sullivan returned to the Predators lineup on Jan. 10, 2009 vs. the Chicago Blackhawks after missing 142 straight regular-season games and 11 more playoff contests due to a back injury sustained on Feb. 22, 2007 vs. Montreal. Six-hundred eighty-seven days passed between games for Sullivan, whose return made him just the third player in the post-World War II era to miss more than 600 days due to injury, then return to action (joining Jim Peplinski, Calgary and Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh). He registered his first point in 154 games in the second contest of his return – Jan. 13, 2009 at Toronto, and netted his first goal in two years on Feb. 18, 2009 at Detroit.

After starting his 2008-09 season with just five assists in his first 15 games, the Timmins, Ont., native rounded into form in mid-February, and notched 27 points (11g-16a) in the final 25 games of the season. Nashville went 22-14-5 with Sullivan in the lineup in 2008-09 vs. 18-20-3 without him.

Originally a ninth-round selection (233rd overall) of New Jersey in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Sullivan has posted 609 points (239g-370a) in 764 games over 12 seasons with New Jersey, Toronto, Chicago and Nashville. He was acquired by the Predators from Chicago on February 14, 2004 for a second-round selection in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft (Ryan Garlock) and a second-round selection in the 2005 Entry Draft (Michael Blunden). [READ]

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Brent Regner to a standard three-year entry level contract, General Manager Scott Howson announced today. As is club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Regner, 20, was the Blue Jackets’ seventh pick, 137th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He scored 15 goals and added 52 assists for 67 points with 42 penalty minutes and had a plus/minus rating of +65 in 70 games for Vancouver of the Western Hockey League in 2008-09. He ranked second in the WHL in plus/minus rating and was second among league defensemen in scoring. He added 2-11-13 and six penalty minutes in 17 playoff games.

The Westlock, Alberta native has registered 24-96-120, 106 penalty minutes and has a cumulative plus/minus rating of +100 in 207 career games with Vancouver. He has added 2-27-29, 26 penalty minutes and a cumulative plus/minus rating of +13 in 49 career playoff games, including helping the Giants to the 2007 Memorial Cup championship. [READ]

The Capitals addressed their need for a scoring winger, signing free-agent right winger Mike Knuble to a two-year deal worth $5.6M on Wednesday, on the first day of NHL free agency, according to an Associated Press report.

“I know what I do well,” Knuble said. “I complement players. I’ve been able to be successful and they’ve been able to be successful.” [READ]

The Oilers signed 36-year-old Nikolai Khabibulin to a four-year, $15M deal on Wednesday. He'll replace 39-year-old Dwayne Roloson, who signed earlier in the day with the Islanders.

Khabibulin is a former Stanley Cup winner who spent last season with the Blackhawks. [READ]

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has signed free agent forward David Koci to a one-year contract.

“David is a fierce competitor who will add grit and toughness to our lineup,” said Avalanche General Manager Greg Sherman.

Koci, 28, appeared in 37 combined games with the Tampa Bay Lightning and St. Louis Blues during the 2008-09 campaign, totaling two points (1g/1a) and 141 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-6, 238-pound left wing skated in 33 contests with Tampa Bay and ranked second on the club with 132 penalty minutes. He also saw action in four games with St. Louis, recording nine penalty minutes.

Selected 146th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2000 Entry Draft, Koci made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2006-07 season.

The Prague, Czech Republic native has appeared in 64 career NHL games, recording two points and 297 penalty minutes. [READ]

The Blackhawks dipped deep into the free-agent market by signing forward Marian Hossa away from the Red Wings on Wednesday with a 12-year deal, according to an Associated Press report.

Hossa, who surprisingly took a one-year deal with the Red Wings last summer, cashed in this time. The four-time All-Star and 11-year veteran has played on the Stanley Cup runner-up the last two seasons. The Blackhawks are his fourth team since 2008. [READ]

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed veteran defenseman Matt Walker to a multi-year contract today, Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton announced.

Walker joins Mattias Ohlund as free agent signings aimed at bolstering the Bolts blue line as the team prepares for the 2009-10 season.

“Matt is the big, physical, intimidating presence that we lacked on the blue line last season,” said Lawton upon making the announcement today. “He is a high-character, team-first player and he demonstrated that last season, going right back in a playoff game after suffering an ugly, ugly broken finger. He is just the type of player that we were looking for to fill a specific defensive need.”

Walker, a 6-foot-3, 214-pound native of Beaverlodge, Alberta, played in 65 games with the Chicago Blackhawks last season, recording one goal, a career-high 13 assists and a career-high 14 points to go along with 79 penalty minutes. He also played in 17 postseason games for Chicago, recording two assists and 14 penalty minutes as the Blackhawks advanced to the Western Conference Finals against the Detroit Red Wings. [READ]

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that the National Hockey League (NHL) club has agreed to terms with defenseman Scott Niedermayer on a one-year contract. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

“Keeping Scott Niedermayer in an Anaheim Ducks jersey was paramount for our club,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. “We’re extremely pleased he’s chosen to remain with us and look forward to another great season from a Hall of Fame-bound player.”

Niedermayer, 35 (8/31/73), played in all 82 games last season, collecting 14-45=59 points with 70 penalty minutes (PIM). He concluded the regular season ranked third among NHL defensemen in points and assists, and was third overall in total time-on-ice (2,182:29 TOI) and avg. TOI (26:56). He became Anaheim’s leading all-time scorer among defensemen in his fourth season with the Ducks last year, recording his 171st point as a Duck (assist) on Dec. 3 at Chicago (now has 216 points as a Duck). In 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games, Niedermayer earned 3-7=10 points with 11 PIM, finishing tied for third among team leaders in scoring.

“I'm excited to continue my career with the Ducks,” said Niedermayer. “I still enjoy the game and feel the opportunity to win is right here in Anaheim.”


Signed as a free agent on Aug. 4, 2005, Niedermayer helped lead Anaheim to its first Stanley Cup championship in 2007, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the 2007 playoffs. In 291 career NHL games with the Ducks, Niedermayer has collected 50-166=216 points with a +4 rating and 268 PIM. He has been named to the NHL Western Conference All-Star Team in the last three consecutive seasons and was honored as a First Team NHL All-Star in 2006 and 2007.

A native of Cranbrook, British Columbia, Niedermayer has won four Stanley Cup championships since making his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils during the 1991-92 season. He is the only player in hockey history to have won a Stanley Cup, Olympic Gold Medal, World Championship, World Cup, Memorial Cup and World Junior title. Niedermayer was named a Norris Trophy finalist for three straight seasons, winning the award in 2004. He has been named to a conference All-Star Team six times during his NHL career (1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009) and produced 12 overtime goals, the most all-time by an NHL defenseman.

Originally selected by New Jersey in the first round (third overall) of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, Niedermayer has split his 18-season NHL career with the Devils (1991-2004) and Ducks (2005-09). In 1,101 career NHL games, Niedermayer has recorded 162-530=692 points with a +176 rating and 746 PIM. [READ]

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed Joel Ward to a two-year, $3 million contract.

Ward, 28 (12/2/80), posted 35 points (17g-18a) in 79 games with Nashville in 2008-09, his first full National Hockey League season. His goal total tied for fourth on the club, and the Predators posted a 10-2-2 record when the 6-1, 220-pound right wing scored a goal. The Toronto, Ont., native also tied for eighth among NHL forwards in blocked shots (69), and fourth on the club in average shorthanded ice time.

Prior to signing with Nashville, Ward spent three seasons in the Minnesota organization, playing 11 NHL games with the Wild in 2006-07 (0g-1a-1pt) and 209 AHL games with the Houston Aeros (38g-48a-86pts). He is a graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island, where he played four seasons for the Panthers (2001-05), notching 135 points (76g-76a) in 96 games. [READ]

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has signed free agent goaltender Craig Anderson to a two-year contract through the 2010-11 season.

“In Craig we feel we have addressed a very important need within our organization,” said Avalanche General Manager Greg Sherman. “His overall performance last year was very impressive and he is entering the prime years of his career.”

Anderson, 28, finished third among NHL goaltenders last season with a .924 save percentage in 31 appearances with the Florida Panthers. Anderson posted a 15-7-5 record with a 2.71 goals-against average and three shutouts.

“I look forward to playing with the Avalanche,” said Anderson. “This team has a great mix of youth and experience and as a group, I feel we are up for the challenge of getting back into contention.”

Selected 73rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2001 Entry Draft, Anderson made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks in 2002-03 and has gone on to appear in 109 career games with Chicago and Florida. The 6-foot-2 netminder owns a 36-43-13 record with a .911 Sv% and 2.87 GAA.

A native of Park Ridge, Illinois, Anderson represented the United States at the 2006 and 2008 IIHF World Championships. [READ]

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent forward Donald Brashear.

Brashear appeared in 63 games with the Washington Capitals last season, registering one goal and three assists, along with a team leading 121 penalty minutes. He placed fourth on the club, and second among team forwards, with 119 hits. Washington posted a 4-0-0 mark in games that Brashear posted a point. He tallied the game-winning goal on December 4 vs. the New York Islanders, his first game-winner since December 14, 2002 vs. Buffalo (as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers).

In 2007-08, Brashear led the Capitals with 119 penalty minutes and ranked fourth on the team with 133 hits. Brashear recorded five goals and three assists while skating in 80 games. The Capitals were 4-0-1 when he tallied a goal, and 6-0-1 when he registered a point. Brashear notched his 200th NHL point on March 3 vs. Boston, and skated in his 900th career game on February 5 at Columbus. On December 12, he posted his first multi-point effort since October 22, 2005, collecting two assists vs. the Rangers. In addition, Brashear tallied two points (one goal and one assist) in seven postseason contests with Washington.

The 6-3, 237-pounder has skated in 989 career regular season contests with the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Washington Capitals, registering 85 goals and 119 assists for 204 points, along with 2,561 penalty minutes. He established career-highs in assists (19), points (28) and shots on goal (127) as a member of the Canucks during the 2000-01 season. Brashear tallied a career-high, three assists/points on December 8, 2000 at San Jose. In 1999-00, Brashear notched a career-best 11 goals in just 60 games. As a rookie in 1993-94, he recorded four points (two goals and two assists) in 14 games with Montreal. He registered an assist in his NHL debut on November 15, 1993 at Ottawa, and tallied his first career goal two days later against Edmonton.

In post-season play, Brashear has appeared in 60 career contests with Montreal, Vancouver, Philadelphia, and Washington, registering three goals and six assists for nine points, along with 121 penalty minutes. He skated in the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals as a member of the Flyers, recording four points (one goal and three assists) and 61 penalty minutes in 18 games. His three assists, four points and 61 penalty minutes were all career-highs.
The Bedford, Indiana native was originally signed as a free agent by Montreal on July 28, 1992. [READ]

Brian Burke, president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Wednesday that unrestricted free agent Colton Orr has signed with the club. The right-winger signed a four year contract with the Maple Leafs.

Orr, 27, appeared in all 82 games for the New York Rangers in 2008-09 and recorded a goal and four assists while leading the team with a career-high 193 penalty minutes. His penalty minute total was the third-highest in the NHL behind Daniel Carcillo (Coyotes/Flyers) and Shane O’Brien (Canucks). [READ]

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed free agent defenseman Mattias Ohlund to a multi-year contract today, Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton announced. Ohlund will be looked upon to solidify and lead the Lightning’s young, developing defensive corps.

“We are thrilled Mattias elected to sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning today,” said Lawton upon making the announcement. “With so many options in front of him, having him elect to play in Tampa demonstrates the faith he has in our team’s strategy and vision for success, which should be exciting for our fans. This signing accomplished two primary goals for us. First, we have added the top-two defenseman we coveted to lead our blue line and second, we have found a leader and a mentor for Victor Hedman as he prepares to play in the NHL this fall.”

Ohlund, 6-foot-2, 227 pounds, has skated in 770 career NHL games, all with Vancouver. He has amassed 93 career goals and 325 points with 36 power play goals and 19 game-winning goals. Ohlund is the Canucks’ all-time leader in goals by a defenseman and led the team in ice time during the 2006-07 (24:47) and 2007-08 (23:46) seasons. He was named to the NHL All-Star game in 1998-99 and the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1997-98. Ohlund was also recognized by his team, earning the Canucks’ Most Outstanding Defenseman award in 2005-06 and 1999-00.

A native of Pitea, Sweden, Ohlund has played in 52 career playoff games, recording nine goals and 28 points. He is tied for 11th overall on the Vancouver all-time playoff points list.

Ohlund, 32, played in all 82 games for the Vancouver Canucks last season, recording six goals and 25 points. He ranked third on the team in points among defensemen and second in plus/minus with a plus-14 rating. Ohlund also led the team in hits with 152, was third overall in average ice time with 21:34 per game and was fourth in hits with 109. He also played in 10 Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording a goal and three points.

A Swedish national, Ohlund has represented his country in three separate Olympic Games. He won the Gold Medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics and also participated in 2002 and 1998. Ohlund also played in the 2001 (Bronze), 1998 (Gold) and 1997 (Silver) World Championships, the 2004 World Cup, as well as the 1996 (Silver), 1995 (Bronze) and 1994 (Silver) World Junior Championships.

Ohlund was drafted by Vancouver in the first round, 13th overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. [READ]

Two sources confirmed to ESPN.com on Wednesday that Henrik and Daniel Sedin will remain with the Canucks.

Each has agreed to a five-year deal worth $30.5M apiece. The deals also include no-movement clauses. [READ]

The Stars have re-signed right wing Jere Lehtinen to a one-year deal, according to an Associated Press report.

The Stars gave Lehtinen, who has spent his entire career with Dallas, a contract with a base salary of $1.5M and the possibility of as much as $1M in incentives. [READ]

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland says the team won't be a player in free agency.

Holland said Tuesday that Detroit did most of their shopping during the season by extending the contracts of center Henrik Zetterberg and right winger Johan Franzen.

[READ]

Jay Bouwmeester has decided to forgo unrestricted free agency, signing a five-year deal with the Flames on Tuesday.

The contract is worth an average of $6.6 million per season, a source told ESPN.com.

"Jay is one of the most complete defenseman in the game, and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement that will make him an important component of the Calgary Flames success," Flames general manager Darryl Sutter said in statement. "We identified Jay as the priority player where we were going to focus our money. We wanted an opportunity a few days in advance of the deadline, and that's why we made the move we did this past weekend."

Calgary rolled the dice on Saturday at the NHL entry draft and sent a third-round pick and the rights to Jordan Leopold to the Panthers in exchange for the rights to Bouwmeester. [READ]

TSN reported early Wednesday morning that Dany Heatley refused to waive his no-trade clause in order to facilitate a trade to the Oilers.

Multiple outlets reported Tuesday night that the Senators had agreed to send Heatley to Edmonton for Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner and Ladislav Smid.
[READ]

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed center Erik Christensen to a one-year contract extension. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

Christensen, 25 (12/17/83), split the 2008-09 season with Anaheim and Atlanta, combining for 7-21=28 points with 20 penalty minutes (PIM) in 64 games. Christensen also appeared in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Ducks, collecting 0-2=2 points. A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Christensen was acquired from the Thrashers in exchange for center Eric O’Dell on Mar. 4, 2009. At the time of his acquisition, Christensen ranked second among Atlanta team leaders in faceoff percentage (54.6%; 233-for-427) and third in faceoffs won.

Originally selected by Pittsburgh in the third round (69th overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Christensen was acquired by Atlanta with Colby Armstrong, Angelo Esposito and a first-round selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft (Daultan Leveille) in exchange for Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis on Feb. 26, 2008. In four NHL seasons with Anaheim, Atlanta and Pittsburgh, Christensen has recorded 42-56=98 points with 110 PIM. [READ]

The Devils have acquired center Ben Walter and future considerations from the Islanders in exchange for the rights to center Tony Romano, according to an Associated Press report.

Devils president and GM Lou Lamoriello announced the deal on Tuesday.
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New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has acquired forward Chris Higgins and defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forwards Scott Gomez and Tom Pyatt, and defenseman Mike Busto. [READ]

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed right wing Troy Bodie to a two-year contract extension through the 2010-11 NHL season. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

Bodie, 24 (1/25/85), appeared in four games with Anaheim last season, going scoreless. Signed as a free agent on July 22, 2008, Bodie made his NHL debut on Jan. 16 at Pittsburgh, recording 6:44 TOI. He spent the remainder of the 2008-09 season with Anaheim’s then-primary developmental affiliate in Iowa, scoring 15-12=27 points with 105 penalty minutes (PIM) in 71 games.

A native of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Bodie has appeared in 153 career AHL games, earning 24-19=43 points with 275 PIM. The 6-4, 215-pound winger spent the 2007-08 season with Springfield (AHL), recording 9-6=15 points in 62 contests. He logged 108 PIM with the Falcons, finishing third on the team. Originally selected by Edmonton in the ninth round (278th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Bodie made his professional debut in 2006-07, splitting the season with Stockton (ECHL) and Hamilton (AHL). [READ]

Rick Nash has one year left on his contract with the only team for which he has played, and the Blue Jackets want to sign him to a long-term deal before he can become an free agent next summer, according to an Associated Press report on Tuesday.

One of the top forwards in the league, it’s not just a wild rumor that the Maple Leafs covet the kid who grew up in suburban Brampton. [READ]

San Jose defenseman Rob Blake has agreed to a one-year deal to remain with the Sharks, as reported by ESPN on Tuesday.

Blake was scheduled to become a free agent when the period opened at midnight Wednesday.

The deal is worth $3.5M in base salary, plus bonuses.

Blake had 45 points and a plus-15 rating in 73 games with the Sharks last season, when he earned $5 million.

Blake has 747 points (233 goals, 514 assists) in 1,200 career regular-season games in 18 NHL seasons.
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The Columbus Blue Jackets have hired Dave Rook as the club’s goaltending coach, General Manager Scott Howson announced today. Rook, who served as a goaltending consultant for the St. Louis Blues from 2006-09, began working with the club during this week’s Development Camp.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dave to our coaching staff,” said Howson. “He is an experienced coach who helped Steve Mason become a prolific goaltender in the Ontario Hockey League, which has led to his success in the National Hockey League. We feel that Dave can work with the goaltenders in our system and take them to a higher level.”

In addition to his work with St. Louis’ affiliates and goaltending prospects, Rook has spent the past six years as the goaltending coach for the OHL’s London Knights, where he worked with current Blue Jackets netminder Steve Mason. In 2006-07, Mason was named the OHL Goaltender of the Year and a year later he was again one of the league’s top players and earned Most Valuable Player and Top Goaltender honors helping Team Canada win the gold medal at the 2008 World Junior Championships.

A native of London, Ontario, Rook played professionally in Europe for five seasons from 1991-96 before embarking on his teaching and consulting career. He worked for the London (Ontario) Nationals Junior B team from 1996-2003 before joining the Knights for the 2003-04 season and later helped London win the Memorial Cup championship in 2004-05. [READ]

The Blues are cutting ties with Jay McKee, buying out the final year of the defenseman's contract, according to an ESPN report on Monday.

McKee signed a four-year, $16M free agent contract in 2006 and was due $4M for next season. The Blues are responsible for two-thirds ($2.64M) of McKee's salary, which will be spread out the next two seasons.
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The Hurricanes are keeping forward Jussi Jokinen, agreeing to a two-year deal on Monday, according to an ESPN report.

Jokinen's new contract will pay him $1.5M next season and $1.9M in 2010-11. Jokinen could have become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday. [READ]

The Blackhawks on Monday re-signed forward Dave Bolland to a five-year deal, locking up one of the team's consistent performers last season, according to an ESPN report.

The new contract is worth $16.875M for an average of $3.375M per year. [READ]

The Penguins made a move to retain a key piece of their championship team on Monday, agreeing to terms with winger Bill Guerin, according to an ESPN report.

Guerin who would have become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday, signed for $2M, accepting a pay cut to stay with the team after making $4.5M last season with the Islanders and Penguins.

"There's a lot of good teams I could have played for but this obviously was the best fit," Guerin told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun late Monday. [READ]