Now that prospect camp is completed, the biggest hockey news will come from free agent signings and negotiations over contracts. So far, none of the blockbuster trades involve our boys in gold.
Nashville Predators News
Preds Ink Forward Connor Brickley to One-Year Contract
This nice two-way deal gives the Admirals some forward depth.
Predators Sign Forward Rocco Grimaldi to One-Year Contract
The Predators added another forward to their AHL mix. It’s Rocco’s Milwaukee Life.
Preds Add Defenseman Jarred Tinordi with One-Year Deal
The 26-year-old Tinordi will provide some solid defense for the young defensive corps in Milwaukee. This is another solid depth signing by David Poile and Company.
Predators Sign Connor Brickley, Rocco Grimaldi To Two-Way Contracts – On the Forecheck
Here’s a quick OTF recap of our two new depth forwards, Connor Brickley and Rocco Grimaldi. Be sure to look out for in-depth analysis later this week.
Central Division News
O’Reilly traded to Blues by Sabres for three forwards, two draft picks
Ryan O’Reilly was traded to the St. Louis Blues by the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday for three forwards and two draft picks. The Blues got a nice scoring forward and the Sabres got Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson, and some draft picks. The Sabres certainly got a haul for O’Reilly.
Cole signs three-year contract with Avalanche
Ian Cole signed a three-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche. They’re bolstering their defense and goaltending and look poised to make a nice run for the Cup this season.
Avalanche fill need for depth with smart, energetic winger Calvert – TheHockeyNews
Colorado gets more forward depth after losing Blake Comeau to Dallas.
Blues sign Tyler Bozak to three-year, $15M contract – Sportsnet.ca
Tyler Bozak signed with the St. Louis Blues on a pretty nice 3-year deal. I’m not sure if he’s supposed to replace Paul Stastny, but Bozak is a solid center for a Blues team looking to get back to the playoffs.
Blues bring back David Perron – again. – St. Louis Game Time
David Perron went back to St. Louis after talking a ton about how he wanted to stay in Vegas..alrighty.
Blackhawks sign Chris Kunitz, Brandon Manning, Cam Ward – Second City Hockey
The Blackhawks added a trio of players Sunday morning: goaltender Cam Ward, defenseman Brandon Manning, and veteran forward Chris Kunitz. I guess we have to see Kunitz more than twice a season now.
Dallas Stars Sign Valeri Nichushkin To Two-Year, $5.9 Million Deal – Defending Big D
Valerie Nichushkin is back from the KHL and Dallas also picked up veteran defenseman Roman Polak from the Maple Leafs.
Stars Sign Anton Khudobin, Fill Backup Goatender Need – Defending Big D
Former Bruins goaltender Anton Khudobin will backup Ben Bishop in Dallas.
Winnipeg Jets sign goalie Laurent Brossoit – Arctic Ice Hockey
After Saturday’s awkward Armia/Mason trade to the Canadiens to presumably clear cap space for Paul Stastny (who signed a three-year deal with Vegas on Sunday), the Jets signed Laurent Brossoit to a one-year deal to be their backup. Brossoit was with the Edmonton Oilers last season.
Around the League
Tavares signs seven-year contract with Maple Leafs
Twitter went stupid over John Tavares signing with the Maple Leaves. I sorta feel bad for Barry Trotz. Toronto is stacked on offense, meh on defense, and shaky in goal. Yay Toronto?
McDonagh signs seven-year extension with Lightning
Ryan McDonagh’s extension could tell us a little more about what sort of contract Ryan Ellis will be looking for.
James van Riemsdyk agrees to five-year contract with Flyers
JVR is headed to Philly.
John Tavares leaves New York Islanders as free agent – Lighthouse Hockey
Tavares is off to Toronto and Islanders fans are appropriately crushed. However, don’t burn those #91 jerseys. Send one my way for my jersey collection!!!
Golden Knights, Paul Stastny agree to 3-year contract – Knights On Ice
Paul Stastny went out west…after Winnipeg cleared space for him by trading Joel Armia and Steve Mason to the Canadiens. That’s not very nice.
REPORT: Buffalo Sabres to add two goaltenders when free agency opens – Die By The Blade
Many congratulations are due to Carter Hutton. While he’s never been the #1 guy, hopefully he will have a reliable backup and a fantastic season.
Columbus gets savvy by signing underrated Riley Nash – TheHockeyNews
Riley Nash is now a Blue Jacket. It seems like their season is going to be a little tumultuous with the whole Artemi Panarin deal, so hopefully Nash can have an impact on a team I’d really like to see kick Pittsburgh’s butt.
Grabner signs three-year contract with Coyotes
Michael Grabner is headed out west to the Coyotes.
I’m waiting on some news from our RFA front: Miikka Salomaki, Ryan Hartman, and Juuse Saros. I’m also waiting to see if any more moves will be made…like Erik Karlsson going anywhere except Ottawa.
Have a great week, folks.