NHL Free Agent Season - Day 4

[Oreo]

Well there's no way today could be as crazy as yesterday.
Forsberg will go down as the biggest FA move of the year.
There are still a lot of big names out there.

I'm shocked that Modano signed... he's getting less than Holik.

It looks like Niedermeyer will be the big one today. May Khabibulin also

Recap of yesterday's sign-fest:
Boston Bruins - Signed restricted free agent defenceman Brian Leetch.

Calgary Flames - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Jarome Iginla, re-signed restricted free agent defenceman Jordan Leopold.

Colorado Avalanche - Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Patrice Brisebois and unrestricted free agent centre Pierre Turgeon.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Bryan Berard.

Dallas Stars - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Mike Modano. Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Martin Skoula.

Detroit Red Wings - Re-signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Mathieu Schneider.

Edmonton Oilers - Acquired forward Michael Peca from the New York Islanders in exchange for restricted free agent forward Mike York and a conditional draft pick in 2006. Signed defenceman Chris Pronger.

Montreal Canadiens - Re-signed unrestricted free agent forward Alexei Kovalev. Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Mathieu Dandenault.

Pittsburgh Penguins - Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Sergei Gonchar.

Philadelphia Flyers - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Peter Forsberg.

Minnesota Wild - Re-signed goaltender Manny Fernandez and centre Marc Chouinard.

New York Islanders - Signed free agent forward Miroslav Satan.

New York Rangers - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Martin Rucinsky.

Vancouver Canucks - Re-signed unrestricted free agent forward Markus Naslund. Traded defenceman Brent Sopel to the New York Islanders for a conditional draft pick in 2006.

[gman16]

1. Modano

Would have been a nice addition to the Boston Bruins, but, it appears we can do quite well without him.

[Ravenseye]

14. Word is Zhamnov is going to Boston

Rumors are the deal is all but done that Alexi Zhamnov is heading to Boston

[fhqwhgads]

2. thank you...

...for the update. hadn't gotten a chance to see all the signings. we had better re-sign niedermayer...the flyers getting forsberg is not good. the flyers getting anybody is not good.

[getmeouttahere]

5. My prediction on the Flyers....

despite all this activity, they won't make it past the first round. I think everybody is putting too much stock in this FA stuff. The Rangers never put it together with FA's, even after getting Sather as GM. Even the Flyers were heavy into the FA's in years past, but you didn't see any Cup celebrations in Philly.

[Oreo]

6. Yup

We're seeing a lot of the heavy hitters move from East to West. I'm enjoying watching all the threats move to teams that we'll only play once every 3 years.

What do Flyers fans think about Esche and his backup?

The other thing about Forsberg is that he's been knocked around quite a bit lately. His last hit in Sweden sounded like a bad one.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=117891
KARLSTAD, Sweden (CP) - Peter Forsberg's return from injury was a short one Thursday after the superstar centre suffered a concussion in a Swedish league playoff game.

Forsberg was injured in Modo's game against Farjestad in Karlstad, according to a release from the International Ice Hockey Federation. Forsberg, playing his first game since Jan. 20 when he suffered a hand injury, was cross-checked by former NHLer Peter Nordstrom in the second period. Nordstrom was thrown out of the game with a major penalty and a game misconduct.

"He has a concussion and isn't feeling well," Kent Forsberg, Peter's father and coach on Modo, told Swedish television after the game.

[Ravenseye]

9. They're over the cap also

Picking up Forsberg put them over the cap, so they have to deal Roenik. Someone can pick him up in a trade for a steal I bet because everyone now knows that the Flyers have no choice but to deal him.

[Ravenseye]

8. Agreed

The Flyers should not be allowed to ever draft or sign anyone. :)

I wonder who will get Niedermayer.

[getmeouttahere]

3. Small market Canadian teams make a splash!

With a more even playing field, the small market Canadian teams performed a cannonball in the NHL free agent pool this week. Ottawa already had most of their big talent already signed. I for one am delighted to see this, the fans deserve it.

[Ravenseye]

13. yah

I recall a bunch of bitching about the lockout from north of the border, mostly from Toronto, and ya ya ya. I think the new CBA will make the rest of the Canadian teams though far more competetive than they were.

[PunkPop]

4. Wow.

I'm quite pleasantly suprised. The way his agent was talking yesterday I had pretty much given up hope. That guy could work for Bushco with skills like that.

I wonder if Turgeon will fit in Colorado? He had his moments in Dallas but never really found a groove.

Forsberg to Philadelphia. That team will have an interesting mix.

Are you happy about Fernandez? Is Roloson signed? Will the Wild still be doing the co-goaltender thing?

[Oreo]

7. It worked in the playoffs

Lemaire is of the mindset that you need 2 starters. Manny will be backup and Rolo will start most games. The tandem worked great in 2003 agains the Avs and Canucks. We'll see how it works this year.

I'm not worried about the defensive side of the game for the Wild. We'll need to see if Gaborik can move up and how Mikko Koivu does. We're looking at a LOT of young players that need to move to the next level.
I'm looking forward to seeing Rolston though... I've always liked him.

[Ravenseye]

12. Gaborik needs to step up

He's always seemed mucho talented to me, but he needs to step up and get more than 30 goals. He's capable of 50 goals and 100 points a year imho.

[Ravenseye]

10. Scott Niedermeyer to Anaheim

Scott Niedermayer signs with the Mighty Ducks for four years and 27 million dollars. Looks like he wanted to play pro hockey with his brother.

Sorry Devils fans.

*on edit*

Looks like part of the deal was that they resigned Rob Niedermayer for 4 years at 2 million as well, so the brothers can play together for awhile.

*second edit*

Looks like Lou Lamoriello offered him the maximum 7.8 million for five years as well so you can't say that he didn't try. Looks like he just wanted to go play with his bro.

[Ravenseye]

11. Martin Lapointe to Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed unrestricted free agent winger Martin Lapointe.

Lapointe, 31, agreed to a 3-year deal worth $7.2 million.

Lapointe signed a montster deal with the Boston Bruins in 2001, but never lived up to lofty expectations, scoring 40 goals and 43 assists in 205 games.

In his career, Lapointe has 148 goals, 165 assists and 313 points in 757 games.

He played his first seven NHL seasons in Detroit, winning two Stanley Cups with the Red Wings.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132407

[Oreo]

15. I need to get busy

updating my NHL rosters on my xbox. I'm waiting until the free agency dies down to start a new season.

I just got ESPN NHL2k5 a few weeks back. I'm pretty impressed with it so far. I had every EA game from like 94 up until 2001 I think but stopped when my computer started screaming at me.

[Oreo]

16. More proof that MN fans love Cloutier

This is hilarious... even if you like the Nucks, you have to admit this is pretty damn funny. I apologize to anybody on dialup.. the image is almost 1M

[Ravenseye]

17. Teppo Numminen to Buffalo

reports out of Buffalo say they signed him.

I just love Finnish names.

Numminen....Numminen....Laaksonen....Laaksonen...Teppo Numminen...Anti Laaksonen...

They just sound great don't they?

[PunkPop]

19. Lehtinen, Kapanen...

Does anybody in that country have a name that doesn't end in "nen"??

Numminen's taking a chance just by playing. When he was here they found he had some kind of rare brain thing. Kept him out for a couple months. I think the doctors told him he probably shouldn't play anymore.

[Oreo]

20. Niinimaa?

Here's the Olympic team.... my fav name is Jarkko Ruutu (although I'm not a fan of him as a player!) Sounds like something out of Star Wars.

Goaltenders:
Kari Lehtonen, Atlanta Thrashers
Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames
Vesa Toskala, San Jose Sharks

Defence:
Joni Pitkänen, Philadelphia Flyers
Kimmo Timonen, Nashville Predators
Ossi Väänänen, Colorado Avalanche
Sami Salo, Vancouver Canucks
Aki-Petteri Berg, Toronto Maple Leafs
Jere Karalahti, HIFK Helsinki - FIN (declared ineligible)
Teppo Numminen, Dallas Stars
Toni Lydman, Calgary Flames
Janne Niinimaa, New York Islanders

Forwards:
Teemu Selänne, Colorado Avalanche
Ville Nieminen, Calgary Flames
Saku Koivu, Montreal Canadiens
Olli Jokinen, Florida Panthers
Tuomo Ruutu, Chicago Blackhawks
Ville Peltonen, HC Lugano - SUI
Mikko Eloranta, TPS Turku - FIN
Antti Laaksonen, Minnesota Wild
Sami Kapanen, Philadelphia Flyers (withdrawn)
Jukka Hentunen, HC Fribourg-Gotteron - SUI
Jere Lehtinen, Dallas Stars
Riku Hahl, Colorado Avalanche
Jarkko Ruutu, Vancouver Canucks
Niko Kapanen, Dallas Stars
Esa Pirnes, Los Angeles Kings
Niklas Hagman, Florida Panthers

[PunkPop]

32. A little late but

just to set the record straight.

It was a heart thing not a brain thing. I remembered this morning.

[Oreo]

18. How many players are needed?

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature.asp?fid=7006
The lists show that Team A has 8 players at $xx toward the cap. The teams also have offers in on lots of Restricted Free Agents. Should some of the higher cap teams have RFA's refuse the initial offer, we could see quite a few of these moving around in the next few weeks.

The Blackhawks for instance have 10 signed and 9 RFA's. What's the limit on your roster size?

I'm sure a couple teams will get snagged on this.

[naturalselection]

21. Roenick to the Kings? n/t

[Ravenseye]

22. looks like it

Roenick to Kings along with a third round pick, for 'future considerations' which means cash. Philly totally dumped him for practically nothing just to get under the cap.

[Baclava]

23. The Pens signed Andre Roy

...which will probably eliminate the idea of Tie Domi signing with us. Good.

[Ravenseye]

24. Whats up with Andre Roy?

I honestly no nothing about the guy. Was he with Tampa?

I didn't want Tie Domi. I hate that guy. He's a total freak. I'd never sign any player who was provoked by fans into retaliating. The guy is an animal.

Tie Domi, Peter Worrell both I want nothing to do with.

[Baclava]

28. First I knew about him I read here...

"After working the telephones the first two days of the free-agent supermarket, Patrick reached an agreement yesterday morning with Gonchar and later with fourth-line tough guy Andre Roy.

Roy, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound left winger and physical presence, played 33 regular-season games and averaged seven minutes per game with Tampa Bay. He played in 21 of 22 postseason games in the Lightning's run to the 2004 Stanley Cup. Roy is to earn $1 million this year as part of an apparent three-year, $3 million deal."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05216/548486.stm

[Ravenseye]

25. Alexei Zhamnov to Boston

Three year deal, no other details yet.

[inthebrain]

29. Another good signing by Boston

11 goeals and 45 assists in 43 games. Those are the 03/04 stats. He's good for about 20-25 goals a year in Boston if he plays the full 82.

ANtoher great addition to a team that seems to be on its way to a cup in 05/06.

SO far thats Leetch, Sactchard and Zhamnov. They are now really solid up the middle and have a third line center that can score.

Everyone seems to be overlooking the Bruins and voucsing on Phillies signing of Forsberg. Boston is the team thats vastly improved so far.

[Ravenseye]

30. Yup

Boston is going to look good this year I think. Philly getting Forsberg is nice but he's one player. They've gotten rid of Leclair, and signed on expensive big slow stay at home d. A fast attacking team with decent D should be able to take them apart if the new obstrution rules are called.

Boston though definately looks solid end to end. The only question is if/when they'll choke in the playoffs.

[Ravenseye]

26. Oleg Tverdosvsky to Carolina

Good D man if I recall.

[Ravenseye]

27. Devils retain Rafalski, Add Dan McGillis and Vladimir Malakhov

Looks like after losing Niedermeyer, Lou made some quick deals.

McGillis for 2 years at 8.4 million? 4.2 million a year for Dan McGillis? Sheesh Defensemen cost alot in this new CBA era.

and Malakhov also...7.2 million for 2 years...3.6 million? yikes.

[Baclava]

31. Signing all those defensemen?

It certainly doesn't sound like the Debs are going to try and adjust their style for the new rule changes. Will be interesting to see if that still works out for them.