August 29/30 - Transactions

Tuesday, August 30:

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim - Signed defenseman Kent Huskins and centre Geoff Peters to one-
year contracts.
Boston Bruins - Announced defenseman Hal Gill accepted his one-year qualifying offer.
Edmonton Oilers - Acquired forward Yan Stastny from the Boston Bruins for a 2006 fourth-round pick.
New York Islanders - Signed right wing Robert Nilsson, their first-round pick in the 2003 draft, to a three-year contract.
New York Rangers - Agreed to terms with defenseman Bryce Lampman and center Dominic Moore.
Vancouver Canucks - Signed right wing Mike Brown and defensemen Brett Skinner and Prestin Ryan.
Washington Capitals - Signed defenseman Bryan Muir.

Monday, August 29

Columbus Blue Jackets - Signed forward Alexandre Picard and goaltender Tomas Popperle to entry-level contracts.
Edmonton Oilers - Signed defenceman Danny Syvret to an entry-level contract.
Nashville Predators - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Martin Erat.
Pittsburgh Penguins - Re-signed restricted free agent defenceman Dick Tarnstrom to one-year contract awarded by arbitrator on August 27.

Malkin not coming over this year, Kraft stays back at home as well.

The Russian starlet, who was selected by the Penguins with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, is under contract to his hometown team until 2008.
(CP) -- The Pittsburgh Penguins will have to wait another year before highly-touted prospect Evgeni Malkin suits up for the NHL team.Malkin's agent, Pat Brisson, said Friday that his client will play in Russia's top pro league this season.
"He's made a decision to stay in Magnitogorsk one more year," Brisson said in a telephone interview. Brisson said while Malkin does not have an escape clause in his Russian deal, he doesn't think it will be a problem if he wants to play in the NHL next season. "The owner has been good to him there and he wants to stay one more year," Brisson said. "There's a good chance that he'll be (in Pittsburgh) a year from now."Malkin, 19, recorded 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points in 52 games last season with Magnitogorsk. His Russian contract is worth $1.3 million US tax-free but he could have made more than that in Pittsburgh with performance bonuses. The Penguins have until June 1, 2008, to sign Malkin or they will relinquish his NHL rights.Russia is the only holdout in the transfer agreement between the NHL and the International Ice Hockey Federation. The Russian federation did not sign the two-year deal that compensates European clubs for players who leave to play in the NHL, because Russian clubs want to negotiate their own terms with the league. But Brisson said that wasn't an issue."His decision was based on his own personal need and what he wants to do," Brisson said. "So it has nothing to do with that." A phone message left with the Penguins was not immediately returned. Brisson said the NHL club respects Malkin's decision. "They understand that it means a lot to him to stay there one more year," Brisson said. "At the same time, the Super Russian League is a good league and he'll be a little more mature and perhaps more ready when he shows up next year."
-thanks to www.sportsnet.ca

With Malkin not coming over this year, the Pens could add to their forwards with the likes of:

LW/C - Vincent Damphousse
C - Yanick Perreault

And I would love to see Palffy play with Bondra. Let's see what happens.

August 25/26 - Signings and Transactions

AUGUST 26TH

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim - Signed defenceman Jordan Smith to a three-year contract.

Detroit Red Wings - Re-signed defenceman Niklas Kronwall to a two-year contract.

Florida Panthers - Signed defenseman Dan Focht, who had been with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ottawa Senators - Signed defenseman Lance Ward, who had been with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and right wing Jeff Hereema, who had been with the Vancouver Canucks, to one-year contracts.

Tampa Bay Lightning - Signed defenceman Jay Rosehill and goaltender Morgan Cey to multi-year contracts.

Phoenix Coyotes - Traded centre Erik Westrum and defenceman Dustin Wood to Minnesota for defenceman Zbynek Michalek.

Washington Capitals - Signed defenseman Mike Green, a 2004 first-round draft pick, to a three-year contract.

AUGUST 25TH

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim - Signed right wing Craig Adams, who had been with the Carolina Hurricanes, to a one-year contract.

Atlanta Thrashers - Acquired defenceman Mark Popovic from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in exchange for forward Kip Brennan.

Buffalo Sabres - Acquired defenceman Toni Lydman from the Buffalo Sabres for a third round pick in 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

Detroit Red Wings - Signed goaltender Jimmy Howard to a three-year contract.

Florida Panthers - Restricted free agent goaltender Roberto Luongo awarded one-year, $3.2 million US contract via salary arbitration.

Montreal Canadiens - Re-signed restricted free agent defenceman Andrei Markov to a two-year contract.

New York Rangers - Agreed to terms with defenceman Martin Grenier and centre Alexandre Giroux.

Ottawa Senators - Signed defenceman Andrej Meszaros to a multi-year contract.

Tampa Bay Lightning - Re-signed unrestricted free agent forward Dave Andreychuk to a two-year contract.

Washington Capitals - Signed centre Dave Steckel to a two-year contract.

August 23/24 - Transactions

AUGUST 24TH

Carolina Hurricanes - Agreed to terms with forward Niklas Nordgren on a one-year contract.

Dallas Stars - Signed forward Jussi Jokinen to a two-year contract, forward Loui Eriksson, goaltender Tobias Stephan and defenceman Nicklas Grossman to three-year contracts and defenceman Dan Jancevski to a one-year contract.

Detroit Red Wings - Signed defenceman Andreas Lilja, who had been with the Nashville Predators, and forward Don MacLean, who had been with the Columbus Blue Jackets, to one-year contracts; re-signed forward Matt Ellis to a two-year contract.

Los Angeles Kings - Agreed to terms with defenceman Joey Mormina on a multi-year contract.
Minnesota Wild - Signed forward Peter Olvecky.

New York Islanders - Re-signed forward Justin Papineau to a one-year contract.

Pittsburgh Penguins - Signed defenceman Daniel Fernholm.

San Jose Sharks - Signed forward Tom Cavanagh.

Tampa Bay Lightning - Re-signed forward Martin St. Louis to a six-year contract.

Toronto Maple Leafs - Acquired forward John Pohl from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for future considerations.

Vancouver Canucks - Re-signed restricted free agent defenceman Mattias Ohlund to a multi-year contract.

Washington Capitals - Signed forward Chris Clark.

AUGUST 23RD

Boston Bruins - Signed defenceman Jay Leach and forwards Eric Nickulas and Garret Stroshein.

Chicago Blackhawks - Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Todd Simpson.

Los Angeles Kings - Signed forward Lauri Tukonen to an entry-level contract.

Nashville Predators - Signed goaltender Pekka Rinne.

New York Islanders - Signed centre Petteri Nokelainen to entry-level contract.

New York Rangers - Acquired centre Steve Rucchin from the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for Trevor Gillies and a conditional pick in the 2007 draft.

Ottawa Senators - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Marian Hossa to a multi-year deal, traded Hossa and defenceman Greg de Vries to Atlanta Thrashers for forward Dany Heatley.

Phoenix Coyotes - Acquired forward Mike LeClerc from Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for conditional draft pick.

Tampa Bay Lightning - Signed forwards John Toffey and Marek Kvapil to multi-year contracts.

Vancouver Canucks - Signed forward Josh Green.

Washington Capitals - Signed forward Petr Sykora.

Hossa, de Vries for Heatley - WOW!!!

Sportsnet has learned the Senators have signed Dany Heatley to a three-year, $13.5-million deal. Heatley will become an unrestricted free agent upon conclusion of the contract.
OTTAWA (CP) -- The Ottawa Senators acquired sniper Dany Heatley from the Atlanta.

Thrashers in exchange for forward Marian Hossa and defenceman Greg de Vries on Tuesday.
"We had approached the Thrashers a couple of weeks ago requesting a change of environment," Heatley's agent Stacey McAlpine said. "It was an extremely difficult decision, but we all worked together to try and get things resolved and it looks like we were able to do that."The Senators promptly signed Heatley, a restricted free agent, to a three-year deal. The Calgary native is to meet the media Wednesday in Ottawa.

The deal comes hours after the Senators avoided salary arbitration with Hossa by signing the star forward to an $18-million US, three-year deal.A source said Hossa will earn $5 million this season, $6 million in 2006-07 and $7 million the following season.The move gives Heatley a fresh start, away from Atlanta where he was involved in a high-speed car crash in the fall of 2003 that resulted in the death of friend and teammate Dan Snyder and left Heatley with multiple injuries."Over the course of time, we experienced some unfortunate incidents and encountered some challenging issues," McAlpine said. "I think it was a combination of several things that slowly, over time, led us to the decision that it might be in everybody's best interests to work together to try to find a new opportunity, a new home, a new place to play."McAlpine said contract negotiations contributed to the decision but were not a major factor."Certainly, some of those issues were more important than others," he said. "Ultimately, this decision for us wasn't so much of a business decision. It was more of a life decision."For the Senators, they get some relief from Hossa's freshly minted big-ticket salary while acquiring a big name in exchange. Heatley is a restricted free agent.Ottawa already had a payroll of some $31 million for this season, meaning a big Hossa settlement would push them near the $39-million salary cap. Most teams are also trying to leave a gap under the cap, so they have some room in case of injuries.Hossa, 26, led the Senators with 36 goals and 46 assists in 2003-04, the last season before the lockout. He has scored 20 goals or more the last four NHL seasons, collecting 188 goals and 202 assists in 467 career games, all with Ottawa. Heatley, 24, has 80 goals and 101 assists in 190 NHL regular-season games although injuries from the car crash limited him to 13 goals and 12 assists in 31 games in 2003-04.He was injured again while playing in Switzerland during the lockout when a puck struck him in the face, breaking the orbital bone.The second overall pick in the 2000 draft, he was the league's top rookie in 2001-02. His best season was 2002-03, when he had 41 goals and 48 assists. But his career was derailed in September 2003.The MVP of the 2004 IIHF men's world hockey championship, Heatley was driving his Ferrari convertible on a curved road in a residential area when it ran into a brick pillar and iron fence. Snyder, a passenger, died after several days in a coma.In February, Heatley was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to give 150 speeches about the dangers of speeding after pleading guilty in the death of Snyder in a plea bargain.Heatley has mixed emotions about leaving Atlanta, McAlpine said, but is thrilled to be returning to his native country."He's got his fair share of experience playing for Team Canada and wearing the Team Canada colours," McAlpine said. "He's proud to be a Canadian and is pretty excited about coming back to Canada."De Vries, 32, has played in 566 regular season games.

-thanks to www.tsn.ca

Selanne back with the Ducks

The Finnish Flash ranks among Anaheim's all-time leaders in several categories, including goals (second), points (second) and assists (third).

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Forward Teemu Selanne, the second-leading scorer in Anaheim history, returned to the Mighty Ducks on Monday.
The 35-year-old free agent signed a one-year, $1-million US contract with the team he played for from 1996-01.Selanne, a nine-time all-star, has averaged 37 goals year in 12 NHL seasons. Since entering the league with Winnipeg in 1992, he has 452 goals. Only Jaromir Jagr (478) has scored more."I'm very excited to be back in Anaheim," Selanne said on a conference call from his home in Helsinki. "I have such great memories from there. I'm looking forward to having many more."You never know in this business where you're going to be. I had a feeling I was going to come back."Selanne said several teams he wouldn't identify expressed interest in his services, but Anaheim was his first option all along."I knew exactly what kind of hockey the Ducks are going to play," he said. "We know the new rules are going to be a good fit for me also. I know my family is going to be very happy in Anaheim, that's a big thing, too. I'm just very happy to get this deal done."Selanne said he was slowed in recent years by an injured left knee, but had surgery last September."My knee is as good as when I started in the NHL," he said. "I'm very excited now, it's back to 100 per cent, it's time to play hockey again."When I can't use my speed, I'm useless. I have really high expectations of this year, not only of myself but the team. It's a new start. I think the new rules are going to help this game a lot. Without the red line, I think the game is going to be faster, particularly for our team."Selanne had 16 goals and 16 assists in 78 games for the Colorado Avalanche in the 2003-04 season and added three assists in 10 playoff games.First-year general manager Brian Burke said Selanne's past has nothing to do with his return to Anaheim."I'm not interested in adding names, I'm interested in adding hockey players," Burke said. "I signed Teemu because I think he makes us a better hockey team. We're anticipating he'll play on our top six. Certainly, I'm counting on him for top-six ice time and the power play."From a management standpoint, he's a proven goal-scorer. I think that's beyond dispute. I think he's a complete hockey player as well. I believe Teemu has leadership skills, which he's demonstrated here in the past. He was active in the community when he was here. That's what I have promised to Orange County and Riverside County. We believe that's a plus as well."Burke said the contract is for one year "because it's not clear from our perspective what Teemu can deliver at this point.""I'm told his knee is fine," Burke said. "He struggled a bit in his last year at Colorado. With the style we're going to play and the rules, he can play a number of years after this year. It's up to Teemu. I made it clear to his agent we're certainly not looking at this as a one-year thing."Selanne said the way he feels, there's no limit as to how many more seasons he can play, but added: "Right now, I'm going to go one year at a time."Selanne played in 394 games for the Ducks before being traded to San Jose in March 2001 for Jeff Friesen, Steve Shields and future considerations. Anaheim acquired Selanne from Winnipeg in February 1996.Selanne's 482 career points in 394 games ranks second in franchise history behind Paul Kariya's 669. Selanne also is second with 225 goals to Kariya's 300 and third with 257 assists behind Kariya's 369 and Steve Rucchin's 279.Selanne won the 1999 Maurice (Rocket) Richard Trophy, given to the leagues top goal scorer, as well as the 1993 Calder Memorial Trophy, given to the league's top rookie. He has twice been a first-team NHL all-star and twice a second-team all-star (1998, 1999).

August 22 - Signings

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Teemu Selanne.

Chicago Blackhawks - Signed defenceman Cam Barker to entry-level contract.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Signed centre Mark Hartigan, centre Peter Sarno and defenceman Mark Flood.

Florida Panthers - Re-signed centre Serge Payer.

New York Rangers - Signed forward Jarkko Immonen to entry-level contract.

New York Islanders - Signed restricted free agent forward Shawn Bates.

Ottawa Senators - Signed forward Patrick Eaves to entry-level contract.

Philadelphia Flyers - Signed goaltender Jamie Storr and forwards Eric Chouinard, Pat Kavanagh and Ryan Ready.

Phoenix Coyotes - Signed restricted free agent defenceman Paul Mara.

Vancouver Canucks - Acquired defenceman Steve McCarthy from the Chicago Blackhawks for a third-round draft pick in 2007 NHL Entry Draft, sign defenceman Sven Butenschon.

August 19th - Signings

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim - Sign right-winger Shane Hynes.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Sign right-winger Jaroslav Balastik.

Dallas Stars - Sign forward Brenden Morrow, defenceman John Erskine, right-winger Janos Vas and goaltender Dan Ellis.

Detroit Red Wings - Sign forward Valtteri Filppula.

Edmonton Oilers - Re-sign centre Shawn Horcoff.

Minnesota Wild - Re-signed forward Rickard Wallin.

Nashville Predators - Sign centre Randy Robitaille.

New York Islanders - Signed unrestricted free-agent defenceman Joel Bouchard.

Ottawa Senators - Sign centre Steve Martins, left-winger Brett Clouthier and defenceman Tomas Malec.

Phoenix Coyotes - Signed unrestricted free-agent goaltender Steve Passmore.

Leafs sign Aubin as backup

The Toronto Maple Leafs found a backup option to Ed Belfour on Thursday, signing Jean-Sebastien Aubin to a one-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Aubin made $870,000 with Pittsburgh in 2003-04.
A native of Montreal, Aubin was selected by the Penguins in the third round of the 1995 draft. He made his NHL debut in 1998-99 and appeared in a career-high 51 games the following season, going 23-21-3 with two shutouts and a 2.58 goals-against average.
In 168 career games, the 28-year-old Aubin is 63-72-11 with six shutouts and 2.92 GAA.
Last season, Aubin posted a 12-9-0 record, three shutouts and 2.87 GAA in 28 games with St. John's of the American Hockey League.

Dan's the Man in Vancouver

According to a radio report in Vancouver, the Canucks are set to sign restricted free agent goaltender Dan Cloutier to a two-year, $5-million contract.
The 29 year-old has improved steadily in Vancouver, posting a better goals against average and better save percentage in each of his three full seasons. However, he's come under fire for his playoff performance, most notably stemming from the 2002 postseason when he surrendered a long-distance goal to Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom in Game Three of a series that the Canucks led 2-0 before eventually losing.
Nonis is confident, however, that Cloutier is ready to take the next step in his development.
"Dan has grown as a person and a player in Vancouver and is now at an age when NHL goaltenders traditionally reach the prime of their careers," said Canucks GM Dave Nonis. "He’s had some wonderful seasons for us and has become a big part of this community. We look forward for another excellent year from Dan."

August 18, 2005 - Signings

Carolina Hurricanes - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Josef Vasicek.

Colorado Avalanche - Re-signed defenceman John-Michael Liles.

New York Rangers - Re-signed restricted free agent forwards Jammie Lundmark, Garth Murray and Chad Wiseman.

Pittsburgh Penguins - Re-signed right wing Michel Ouellet to a multi-year contract.

Tampa Bay Lightning - Re-signed goaltender Brian Eklund and signed veteran right-wingers Jim Campbell and Norm Milley and centre Jason Jaspers.

Vancouver Canucks - Re-signed restricted free agent goaltender Dan Cloutier to a two-year deal.

Washington Capitals - Re-signed center-right wing Dainius Zubrus to a two-year contract and defenseman Jean-Francois Fortin; signed right wing Matt Bradley, who had been with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

August 17th - Signings .... Redden on the Block?

Boston Bruins - Re-signed unrestricted free agent forward Travis Green.

Colorado Avalanche - Signed restricted free agent goaltender Tom Lawson and unrestricted free agent defenseman Curtis Leschyshyn.

Florida Panthers - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Jozef Stumpel.

New York Islanders - Signed rookie forward Masi Marjamaki.

Pittsburgh Penguins - Re-signed restricted free agent defenseman David Koci.

Phoenix Coyotes - Signed unrestricted free agent goaltender Curtis Joseph.

Vancouver Canucks - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Anson Carter.

Washington Capitals - Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Dwayne Zinger and rookie forward Chris Bourque.

Redden on the Block?

Perhaps feeling a crunch under the National Hockey League's new salary cap, the Ottawa Senators may be looking to deal defenceman Wade Redden, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen.
With the Senators facing the prospect of having Zdeno Chara and Marian Hossa joining Redden as unrestricted free agents following this season, the Sens might focus on keeping Chara and Hossa while landing a package of younger -- and cheaper -- players in return for the 28 year-old Redden.
The paper says that the Edmonton Oilers were one possible trading partner, before they landed Chris Pronger from St. Louis, and the Sens would like to get a similar kind of package that the Blues got (Eric Brewer along with prospects Jeff Woywitka and Doug Lynch) in exchange for Pronger.
Redden is slated to earn $3.72-million this season, but would figure to get more on the open market as a free agent next year.
Some names the Citizen mentions, as part of packages for Redden, include Florida defenceman Mike Van Ryn, Los Angeles defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky and perhaps even Detroit centre Pavel Datsyuk.
-thanks to www.tsn.ca

Stumpel newest Panther

The Florida Panthers announced Wednesday that the club has signed centre Jozef Stumpel to a two-year contract.

''Jozef is another player that adds depth and experience to our team,'' said Panther general manager Mike Keenan. ''He is a proven playmaker who has the ability to play at both ends of the ice. This acquisition gives us flexibility in our line-up as he can play centre or on the wing, as well as on our special teams.''

Stumpel, 33, has appeared in 758 career NHL contests for both the Boston Bruins (1991-97 & 2001-03) and the Los Angeles Kings (1997-2000 & 2003-04) scoring 151 goals with 397 assists.

The Nitra, Slovakia native has notched more than 50 points seven times throughout his 11-year NHL playing career, including four consecutive 50 point seasons (1999-2003). He recorded a career best 79 points while with the Kings during the 1997-98 campaign.

Stumpel also has extensive experience playing in International play, representing Slovakia in the Olympics, World Cup and World Championship competition. He was drafted by Boston with their 2nd choice (40th overall) in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.
-thanks to www.tsn.ca

Mogilny back with Devils, Carter a Canuck, and Cujo a desert-dog?

Alexander Mogilny, the right winger who earned a Stanley Cup ring with New Jersey, signed a $7-million US, two-year contract Tuesday night to return to the Devils.
Mogilny came to the Devils late in the 1999-00 season and helped New Jersey to its second championship with four goals and three assists in the playoffs.
He came back strong the following season and had the third best offensive year of his career, posting 43 goals and 83 points in 75 games. But he left in the off-season, signing a free agent deal with Toronto where he spent the last three seasons.
Mogilny had other options this time around in the free-agent market, but jumped at the chance to return to the Devils.
"New Jersey has always been a front-runner for me and I always wanted to come back," he said Tuesday night from California.
Mogilny was limited to just 37 games during the 2003-04 regular season following a second operation on his arthritic left hip. There were reports that he might quit playing, but the 36-year-old said he never considered retirement.
He has been skating all summer in Russia and Los Angeles and convinced Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello that he has completely healed.
"We're 100 per cent comfortable that he is 100 per cent healthy," Lamoriello said.
Mogilny spent his first six NHL seasons with the Buffalo Sabres and had a breakout year in 1992-93 when he netted an NHL-best 76 goals and set up 51 others. He then had 55 goals and 52 assists during the 1995-96 season - his first of four-plus with the Vancouver Canucks.
"If there's any one player capable of breaking a game open at any given time, he certainly is that. His skating certainly is exceptional. We know what he can bring as far as making other people better."
Mogilny worked very well with young forward Scott Gomez during his first stint with the Devils and will now provide offensive insurance should Patrik Elias be out for any length of time following a bout with hepatitis A.
Elias is believed to have fallen ill while playing in Russia during the NHL lockout. He lost 30 pounds and was hospitalized in the Czech Republic for almost a month earlier this year.
"We all know what he has and we all know what the time frame is," Lamoriello said. "It could be short, it could be a little longer. ... It's the doctors' call, not our call."
Mogilny has 461 goals and 1,007 points in 956 NHL games.
"We're a better hockey team today with him in the lineup than we are without him," Lamoriello said.
The signing puts the Devils over the $39-million US salary cap, but less than the 10 per cent maximum. Lamoriello said the club will be back under the threshold before the Oct. 1 deadline.
New Jersey still has room to re-sign captain Scott Stevens should he decide to come back following concussion problems that cut short his last season.

Curtis Joseph is about to be taken off the list of available NHL free agents, as TSN has learned that the netminder is close to reaching terms on a one-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes.
The deal, which includes incentives for the 15-year veteran, could be announced as early as Wednesday.
The 2003-04 season was a turmultuous one for Joseph, as he went from being the odd-man out to being the man in the net for the Detroit Red Wings.
Joseph, 38, began the year hoping to silence the critics who blamed him for the defending Stanley Cup champions being swept out of the 2003 playoffs by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Dominik Hasek's decision to come out of retirement also put Joseph's future with the Red Wings in question.
There was talk of trading Joseph, but his hefty contract and off-season ankle surgery made a deal difficult. The goaltending situation worsened when Hasek then got hurt and the team temporarily changed its plans to deal Joseph.
Injuries took their toll again as Joseph sprained his right ankle in February of 2004 and missed a month of action. He returned to play in five games before re-injuring his ankle during warmups March 23 at San Jose.
The Red Wings put him on waivers twice during the regular season, and he finished the year with a 16-10-3 record.
Joseph broke into the league with the St. Louis Blues back in the 1989-90 season. He spent three years in Edmonton, then joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1998.
He took the Leafs to within one win of the Stanley Cup final in 2002, and the Red Wings signed Joseph to a three-year, $24 million US contract that summer after Hasek retired.
In 15 NHL seasons, Joseph has a 396-289-90 record with 43 shutouts and a 2.75 goals-against average.

The Vancouver Canucks are expected to sign winger Anson Carter to a $1-million, one-year deal, sources told The Canadian Press on Tuesday night.
Carter, 31, has 158 goals and 180 assists in eight NHL seasons with Los Angeles, Boston, Washington, Edmonton and the New York Rangers.
He scored 15 goals and 28 points over 77 games in 2003-2004 with the New York Rangers, Washington Capitals and Los Angeles Kings.
His biggest career highlight came two summers ago, when he scored the winning goal in the gold-medal game for Canada at the 2003 World Hockey Championship.
Carter was traded by Edmonton, along with Ales Pisa, to New York in March 2003 for forward Radek Dvorak and defenseman Cory Cross. At the time of the deal, he led the Oilers with 25 goals and 55 points. Carter was dealt twice in 2004, as the Capitals acquired him from New York for Jaromir Jagr and later shipped him to the Kings for Jared Aulin

August 16th - A look at who's left...

...and where they might go.
* = young players worth taking a look at, > = best veterans left.

CENTRE:
-----------
GREEN -
>MESSIER - EDM
>PERREAULT - PIT
Czerkawski - NYI
NIKOLISHIN - NJ
>STUMPEL - PIT
LINDGREN -
-----------------------------
LW:
-----------
GROSEK -
*HLAVAC -
BATTAGLIA -
*SMIRNOV -
>DAMPHOUSSE - SJ, COL
>DEADMARSH - BOS
*Orszagh -
-------------------------------
RW:
-----------
>BONDRA - WSH
>SELANNE - MON
>CARTER - TOR
>THOMAS - TOR
>MOGILNY - FLO, LA, ANA
MCCARTHY -
*RADULOV -
----------------------------
DEFENCEMEN:
----------------
>RAGNARSSON -
>LACHANCE - TOR
>MIRONOV -
>BOMBARDIR -
MCCALLISTER -
*BOUCHARD -
Leschyshyn -
*ROZSIVAL -
NECKAR -
MARCHMENT -
ERIKSSON -
SEKERAS - MIN, PIT
WOOLLEY -
QUINTAL -
--------------------------------
GOALIES:
-----------
>JOSEPH - PHX, VAN
>DUNHAM - CAR
>CECHMANEK - NYR, LA, CAR
POTVIN - BOS
SHIELDS -
*BLACKBURN -
DAFOE -
HACKETT - PHI
IRBE -
BRAITHWAITE -
TUGNUTT -

Lecavalier re-signs with Bolts for 4 years

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (CP) - The Tampa Bay Lightning have locked up star player Vincent Lecavalier for the next four years by signing the talented sniper to a long term contract.
NHL sources have told TSN it's a four-year deal at $6.8 million US a year.
Lecavalier had 32 goals and 34 assists and was plus-24 in 81 games with the Lightning in 2003-04. He had nine goals and seven assists in 23 playoff games en route to winning the Stanley Cup.
Tampa Bay made Lecavalier the first overall pick in 1998 and he has played his entire career with the Lightning. The six-foot-four, 205-pound forward from Ile-Bizard, Que., has 146 goals and 181 assists in 467 career games.
He was a restricted free agent and, instead of taking a one-year qualifying offer and entering unrestricted free agency next year at the age of 26, he opted to sign a long-term deal with his team.
-thanks to www.tsn.ca

August 16th - Signings

Atlanta Thrashers - Re-signed restricted free agent forwards J.P. Vigier and Derek MacKenzie.

Carolina Hurricanes - Signed defencemen Glen Wesley and Chris Hajt to one-year deals.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Signed forward Andrew Murray to a rookie contract.

Detroit Red Wings - Signed defenseman Andy Delmore, who had been with the Buffalo Sabres,
to a one-year contract; re-signed right wing Darryl Bootland to a one-year contract; announced center Jason Williams accepted his one-year qualifying offer.

Edmonton Oilers - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Raffi Torres to a two-year contract.

Montreal Canadiens - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Tomas Plekanec and unrestricted free agent defenceman Jonathan Aitken.

Minnesota Wild - Re-signed right wing Kyle Wanvig to a one-year contract; signed right wing Joey Tetarenko.

Nashville Predators - Re-signed right wing Steve Sullivan to a four-year contract; re-signed defenseman Dan Hamhuis to a one-year contract.

New York Islanders - Signed restricted free agent Brent Sopel to two-year contract; re-signed defenceman Radek Martinek to a one-year contract.

New York Rangers - Re-signed right wing Jozef Balej.

Pittsburgh Penguins - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Konstantin Koltsov.

Tampa Bay Lightning - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Vincent Lecavalier.

August 15th - Signings

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim - Re-signed restricted free-agent defenceman Mark Popovic to a one-year contract.

Atlanta Thrashers - Agreed to terms with forward Jim Slater.

Boston Bruins - Agreed to terms with defenceman Jonathan Sigalet on a three-year contract; agreed to terms with centers Brad Boyes, Ben Guite and Nate Robinson, left wing Eric Healey, right wing Jason MacDonald and defenceman Kevin Dallman on one-year contracts.

Buffalo Sabres - Agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Jochen Hecht on a three-year deal; Daniel Briere, J.P. Dumont, Maxim Afinogenov, Henrik Tallinder, Tim Connolly, Milan Bartovic, Ales Kotalik, Jason Pominville, Paul Gaustad and Michael Ryan accept qualifying offers.

Calgary Flames - Restricted free agent forwards Chuck Kobasew and Mathew Lombardi accept one-year qualifying offers; signed forwards Eric Nystrom and Brandon Prust and goaltender Curtis McElhinney.

Carolina Hurricanes - Restricted free agent forward Pavel Brendl and defenceman Bruno St. Jacques accept one-year qualifying offers.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Restricted free agent defenceman Rostislava Klesla, goaltender Pascal LeClaire and forward Tim Jackman accept qualifying offers; re-sign forward Brandon Sugden .

Dallas Stars - Signed forwards Jason Arnott, Antti Miettinen, Garrett Burnett and Mike Siklenka.

Edmonton Oilers - Signed forward Ales Hemsky to one-year contract and defenceman Matt Greene to a two-year contract.

Los Angeles Kings - Agreed to terms on one-year contracts with defencemen Brad Fast and Joe Corvo.

Minnesota Wild - Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Daniel Tjarnqvist.

Montreal Canadiens - Re-signed centre Saku Koivu to a one-year contract and re-signed restricted free agent Marcel Hossa.

New York Rangers - Re-signed defenceman Tom Poti; signed defenceman Steven MacIntyre.

Ottawa Senators - Re-signed right wings Chris Kelly and Brian McGrattan to one-year contracts.

Phoenix Coyotes - Centres Krystofer Kolanos and Jeff Taffe have accepted qualifying offers.

Pittsburgh Penguins - Signed unrestricted free agent forward John LeClair; re-signed restricted free agent defenceman Josef Melichar; signed unrestricted free agent Steve Poapst; announced centre Matt Hussey and forward Guillaume Lefebvre accepted their qualifying offers.

San Jose Sharks - Re-signed forwards Patrick Marleau and Marco Sturm and defenceman Brad Stuart to multi-year contracts. Re-signed forwards Scott Parker and Josh Prudden, defencemen Matt Carkner Garrett Stafford and Doug Murray and goaltender Nolan Schaefer to one-year deals.

St. Louis Blues - Defenceman Eric Brewer accepts qualifying offer; re-signed forward Jamal Mayers.

Vancouver Canucks - Agreed to terms with defenceman Sami Salo on a two-year contract.

One more year for Stumpy

Sportsnet has learned Maple Leafs' general manager John Ferguson is looking into signing Steve Thomas.
Sportsnet.ca -- Steve Thomas will always be considered among the most popular to wear the Toronto Maple Leafs' crest.
However, sources told Sportsnet the 42-year-old veteran forward, believed to be fast-approaching retirement, has been approached by Leafs' management about returning to Toronto to play for one more season. Sportsnet has learned Maple Leafs' general manager John Ferguson is looking into signing Thomas. With the loss of veteran forwards Gary Roberts, Owen Nolan and potentially, Alexander Mogiliny, Ferguson is in the market for a winger that can add depth and much-needed leadership. With the Leafs quickly closing in on the $39 million salary cap, it's believed a one-year-deal for Thomas would revolve around the league-minimum of $450,000 US. Thomas played two stints in Toronto, the most recent coming between 1998-2001.Thomas was a contributor to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks Stanley Cup run in 2002, scoring four goals en route to the Ducks seven game loss to New Jersey.
-thanks to www.sportsnet.ca

More depth in Pittsburgh...LeClair signs with Pens

Along with playing alongside Crosby and Lemieux, John LeClair will also be reunited with Flyers teammate Mark Recchi.
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed free agent left wing John LeClair, it was announced today by General Manager Craig Patrick. In accordance with club policy, terms of the contract were not released.
LeClair, 36, is one of the leading goal-scorers in the NHL over the past nine seasons, scoring at least 50 goals in three consecutive seasons (1995-96, 1996-97 and 1997-98). Since 1995-96, he has scored 308 goals for an average of 34.2 goals a season -- tying for sixth in the NHL with Penguins' right wing Zigmund Palffy.LeClair has been named a First-Team NHL All-Star twice (1995 and 1998) and a Second-Team NHL All-Star three times (1996, 1997 and 1999). He also has played in five NHL All-Star Games - 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.In 873 career NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers, LeClair has recorded 382 goals and 379 assists for 761 points. In his first full NHL season in 1992-93, LeClair won a Stanley Cup championship in Montreal.
The 6-3, 226-pound native of St. Albans, Vermont has appeared in at least 75 games in seven of the last nine seasons and has appeared in all 82 games five times. LeClair appeared in 75 games in his last season, 2003-04, scoring 23 goals and 55 points."John is a big strong winger who is a proven and consistently productive goal-scorer," Patrick said. "His presence further strengthens the group of forwards we're assembling here in Pittsburgh."LeClair was originally drafted by the Canadiens in the second round (33rd overall) of the 1987 Entry Draft. He played in 224 games with Montreal over parts of five seasons (1990-94) and scored 49 goals. LeClair was traded to Philadelphia with Eric Desjardins and Gilbert Dionne for Mark Recchi and a third round draft choice on February 9, 1995. Over the next nine-plus seasons with the Flyers, LeClair scored 333 goals in 649 games and currently ranks fifth on Philadelphia's all-time goals list.

Roman in Calgary

Roman Hamrlik is off the open market and back in Alberta, as the unrestricted free agent defenceman has signed on with the Calgary Flames.
TSN has learned it is a two-year deal worth $7 million US.
Hamrlik, a 13-year veteran who has played with Tampa Bay, Edmonton and the New York Islanders, was taken first overall in the 1992 Entry Draft by the Lightning.
In 2003-04, he scored 29 points from the blueline, and helped lead the Islanders to the playoffs for the third straight season.
In 873 career NHL games, he scored 117 goals and 441 points.

Frolov resigns and Bure heads to LA

LOS ANGELES (CP) - The Los Angeles Kings signed winger Alexander Frolov and Valeri Bure on Friday on a busy day for the NHL club.
The Kings also sent defenceman Bryan Muir to the Washington Capitals for future considerations and signed forwards Jeff Giuliano and George Parros.
Frolov, a restricted free agent, signed a five-year deal after leading the Kings with 24 goals during 2003-04 and finishing second in team scoring with 48 points in 77 games.
"The Kings are very pleased to make a long-term commitment to Alex," said general manager Dave Taylor. "He is a very gifted offensive player who, at just 23 years of age, has already made significant contributions to our organization."
Frolov spent the past season in Russia playing for CSKA Moscow, collecting 20 goals and 17 assists in 42 games.
Bure, an unrestricted free agent, signed a one-year deal. He split 2003-04 between Dallas and Florida, picking up 22 goals with 30 assists in 68 games.
"Valeri Bure brings a package of speed, offensive skill and experience to our lineup," said Taylor. "We believe that he will also be a player who will really benefit from the new rule changes and he will be a welcome addition to our power play."
In 621 career NHL games with Montreal, Calgary, St. Louis, Florida and Dallas, the 31-year-old has 174 goals 226 assists.
The 32-year-old Muir had one assist in two games with the Kings in the 2003-04 season.
The six-foot-four, 220-pound defenceman has five goals, 15 assists and 167 penalty minutes in 181 career games over nine NHL seasons.

Kiprusoff signs with Flames, Gratton heads to Florida

CALGARY - The Calgary Flames locked up two more key pieces from their surprising run to the Stanley Cup final in 2004, re-signing goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff and defenceman Rhett Warrener to multi-year deals Friday.
Kiprusoff signed a three-year contract worth $10 million US, paying him $2.9 million in 2005-2006, $3.5 million in 2006-2007 and $3.6 million in 2007-2008.
Warrener signed a four-year, $9.4 million US deal that pays him $1.9 million in the first year and $2.5 million a season for the remainder of the deal.
Kiprusoff, a six-foot-two, 190-pound native of Turku, Finland, played in 38 regular season games with Flames in 2003-04 after he was acquired from the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 16, 2003 for a second-round pick in the 2005 draft.
Elsewhere, The Florida Panthers continue to play an active role in the free agent free-for-all, this time the Florida club signed veteran forward Chris Gratton.
Gratton, who was picked third overall by Tampa Bay back in 1993, split time with Phoenix and Colorado in 2003/04, scoring 13 goals and adding 19 assists."Chris is a tough, physical and competitive player who adds further depth at our forward position," said GM Mike Keenan. "He is another veteran player whose leadership and experience will be counted on as we continue to reshape our franchise."Sportsnet has also learned Gratton's contract is for one-year, and valued at $900,000.

August 12th - Signings

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim - Signed restricted free agent forwards Travis Moen and Chris Kunitz.
Atlanta Thrashers - Re-signed forwards Stephen Baby and Kevin Doell and goaltender Michael Garnett.
Boston Bruins - Agreed to terms with defenseman Jiri Slegr on a one-year contract.
Buffalo Sabres - Signed restricted free agent goaltenders Ryan Miller and Martin Biron and defenceman Brian Campbell to one-year qualifying offers.
Calgary Flames - Signed restricted free agent goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff to a multi-year contract, signed restricted free agent defenceman Rhett Warrener.
Columbus Blue Jackets - Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Jeff MacMillan.
Carolina Hurricanes - Signed restricted free agent forwards Erik Cole, Gordie Dwyer, Colin Forbes, Mike Zigomanis and Jesse Boulerice.
Dallas Stars - Re-signed right wing David Oliver; announced goaltender Mike Smith signed his one-year qualifying offer; signed center Yared Hagos.
Detroit Red Wings - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Kent McDonnell.
Florida Panthers - Sign centre Chris Gratton; re-sign left winger Niklas Hagman.
Los Angeles Kings - Signed restricted free agent forward Alexander Frolov and unrestricted free agent forward Valeri Bure. Signed forwards Jeff Giuliano and George Parros.
Montreal Canadiens - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Jan Bulis.
New York Islanders - Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Allan Rourke.
New Jersey Devils - Signed forwards Jason Ryznar, Barry Tallackson and David Clarkson and goaltender Frank Doyle.
Ottawa Senators - Re-signed restricted free agent defenceman Anton Volchenkov to a two-year contract and restricted free agent centres Jason Spezza and Antoine Vermette, restricted free agent right wing Chris Neil and restricted free agent defenceman Christoph Schubert to one-year contracts.
Pittsburgh Penguins - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Colby Armstrong.
St. Louis Blues - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Ryan Johnson and defenceman Trevor Byrne, re-signed defenseman Mike Stuart and right wings Mark Rycroft and Mike Glumac.
Toronto Maple Leafs - Signed restricted free agent forwards Nik Antropov and Clark Wilm. Signed forwards Roman Kukumberg and Mike Hoffman.
Washington Capitals - Acquired defenceman Bryan Muir from the Los Angeles Kings for future considerations, signed defenceman Jamie Heward, forwards Boyd Kane, Matt Pettinger and Louis Robitaille.

Leafs land the Big 'E' Lindros finally signs with Toronto

TORONTO (CP) - Eric Lindros is a Maple Leaf, finally consummating an on-again, off-again affair that lasted for years.
The one-year deal is worth $1.55 million US.
GM John Ferguson presented Lindros with a No. 88 Leaf jersey at a late-afternoon news conference at the Air Canada Centre.
"It's a little dusty," Lindros joked, referring to his long history of being linked to Toronto.
"It's about time. This is great. I'm really excited about it. It's a dream come true," he added
In November 2000, Lindros - then an out-of-favour Flyer - announced the Leafs were the one and only team he wants to be traded to. In February 2001, Toronto's board of governors actually approved a deal to get Lindros in a trade with Philadelphia. But Pat Quinn, then GM as well as coach, said one day later that the Flyers had pulled out of the agreement.
The 32-year-old forward played for the New York Rangers most recently. He had 10 goals, 22 assists and 60 penalty minutes in 39 games during the 2003-04 season.
He was quick to correct a reporter who cited recent concussions, saying his most recent physical problems were a shoulder that had been repaired.
Ferguson said he was satisfied by the team's "due diligence" in checking Lindros out.
"He's passed, he's here and we're pleased to have him," said the GM.
Lindros won the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player in 1994-95 and the Lester B. Pearson Award as the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by the players the same year.
But concussions have taken a toll on the big forward during his NHL career.
He missed all of the 2000-01 season recovering from head injuries after a check from New Jersey's Scott Stevens in Game 7 of the 2000 Eastern Conference final gave him his sixth career concussion.
Lindros has played 678 career NHL games for Philadelphia and the New York Rangers, recording 356 goals 461 assists and 1,285 penalty minutes.
His salary as a Leaf is a far cry from the $8.5-million US qualifying offer he turned down from the Flyers prior to being traded to New York.
In 1991, after drafting him first overall, the Quebec Nordiques reportedly offered him a $50-million deal, 10-year deal with half the money deferred. It was rejected.
An imposing player when healthy, Lindros has always marched to the beat of his own drums - often making headlines in the process.
In 1989, he was taken first over by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League draft of 16-year-olds but refused to report.
In June 1992, both the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers claimed to have reached an agreement with Quebec on a deal for Lindros. An arbitrator later awarded his rights to the Flyers.
Philadelphia named his captain in September 1994. But the relationship soon turned sour. In March 2000, Lindros criticized Flyers' trainers for not recognizing his concussion. Days later he was stripped of the captaincy.
A string of concussions followed and Lindros eventually wound up in New York.
"Teams were still calling this morning, the interest really picked up, it's interesting how it worked out," said Carl Lindros, Eric's father and agent. "But this is a good situation for him. It's what he wanted."
-thanks to www.tsn.ca for the report

Thornton signs 3 year $20 million deal with Boston

BOSTON (CP) - Joe Thornton committed his future to the Boston Bruins on Thursday, agreeing to a $20-million US, three-year deal and forgoing unrestricted free agency next summer.
A source said the 26-year-old Bruins captain will earn $6.666 million a season, close to the $7 million a year Calgary Flames star Jarome Iginla signed for last week.
"Joe's signing was a priority and we are again making clear how much he means to this franchise," Bruins GM Mike O'Connell said in a statement. "He is among the upper echelon of players in our league and he just continues to get better."
The Bruins had hoped to sign him to a longer deal, on Tuesday offering a $32.5-million, five-year deal - an average of $6.5 million per season. That was up from the $25-million, five-year deal offered last month.
The three-year deal will allow Thornton to become an unrestricted free agent when he's 29.
Both sides were under pressure to get a deal done. Monday is the deadline to accept qualifying offers before they expire. If Thornton had accepted his one-year, $5.13-million qualifier, the new collective bargaining agreement stipulates that the Bruins and Thornton could not have talked about an extension until Jan. 1.
Teammate Sergei Samsonov accepted his one-year, $2.77-million qualifying offer Wednesday, bringing the Russian one step closer to unrestricted free agency next summer. That is unless he can sign a long-term deal with the Bruins after Jan. 1.
Samsonov's decision likely put even more pressure on the Bruins to try and get Thornton under contract, not wanting to lose both star forwards next summer.
Thornton, a six-foot-four, 225-pound native of St. Thomas, Ont., has scored 20-plus goals in each of his last five NHL seasons.
He led the club in scoring three times, including each of the last two NHL seasons and in 2002-03 he finished third overall in the NHL's scoring race with a career-high 101 points.
He led the Bruins in scoring in 2003-04 with 23 goals and 50 assists in 77 games.
Named Boston captain on Oct. 8, 2002, Thornton comes into this season with 160 goals, 261 assists and 611 penalty minutes in 509 career NHL games.

August 11th - Signings

Boston Bruins - Re-signed restricted free-agent Joe Thornton to three-year contract.
Dallas Stars - Re-signed forwards Niko Kapanen and Steve Ott to one-year qualifying offers.
Montreal Canadiens - Re-signed restricted free agents forward Mike Ribeiro (one-year), defenceman Mike Komisarek (one-year)and goaltender Jaroslav Halak (three-years) to contracts.
New York Islanders - Signed unrestricted free-agent defenceman Brad Lukowich to a two-year deal.
Ottawa Senators - Re-signed restricted free-agent goaltender Ray Emery to a one-year contract.
Phoenix Coyotes - Re-sign defenseman Derek Morris to one-year qualifying offer.
San Jose Sharks - Re-signed defenseman Kyle McLaren to a three-year contract extension. Re-signed restricted free agent right winger Niko Dimitrakos to a two-year contract.
Toronto Maple Leafs - Signed unrestricted free agent Eric Lindros to a one-year contract.
Vancouver Canucks - Re-signed forward Tyler Bouck to a one-year contract.

Lindros Signing soon to come...followed by Carter?

Eric Lindros is not a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs yet, but there are indications that it is closer to happening.
Sources tell TSN that Lindros is undergoing an MRI exam, and if everything goes to Toronto's liking, Lindros will sign a deal with the club.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, who were also interested in signing Lindros, are no longer in the running for his services. They reportedly offered Lindros a one-year deal for $1.5 million.
While the new CBA has a provision to exempt bonuses from the salary cap in some cases where a player has a long term injury, Lindros does not qualify.
The 32-year old Lindros has played 11 NHL season. His injury history has been well documented. He has had eight concussions throughout his career.
Despite the injuries, Lindros has scored 356 goals and 461 assists in 678 career games.

Also on the horizon is the potential signing of Anson Carter. He is currently going through a medical review. Maybe the leafs should open up a clinic or medical consulting firm...lol!

And with the signing of Alexander Khavanov, look for the leafs to move one or two of their defencemen...maybe Klee, Berg, or Kaberle to make room for a Lindros signing.

Stay tuned!

August 10th signings, and arbitration cases

Boston Bruins - Re-signed forwards Sergei Samsonov and P.J. Axelsson to one-year qualifying offers.
Calgary Flames - Confirm goaltender Roman Turek's retirement.
Carolina Hurricanes - Agreed to terms with forwards Justin Williams and Radim Vrbata on a one-year contracts.
Chicago Blackhawks - Trade goaltender Jocelyn Thibault to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a fourth-round draft pick in the 2006 draft. Re-signed restricted free agent Mark Bell to one-year deal.
Columbus Blue Jackets - Signed centre Jan Hrdina, who had been with the New Jersey Devils, to a one-year contract.
Detroit Red Wings - Re-signed forward Tomas Kopecky, announce former coach Dave Lewis has accepted a scouting job.
Edmonton Oilers - Re-signed forwards Brad Winchester and Jani Rita to two-year contracts and centre Jarret Stoll to a one-year deal.
Los Angeles Kings - Re-signed forward Michael Cammalleri and goaltender Adam Hauser. Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Marty Wilford.
Minnesota Wild - Re-sign defenceman Andrei Zyuzin.
Nashville Predators - Re-signed forwards Scott Hartnell and Jeremy Yablonski.
Ottawa Senators - Re-signed forwards Martin Havlat (one-year deal) and Mike Fisher (three-year deal).
Philadelphia Flyers - Re-sign goaltender Robert Esche to two-year contract and announce that defenceman Dennis Seidenberg has accepted qualifying offer.
Pittsburgh Penguins - Acquired goaltender Jocelyn Thibault from the Chicago Blackhawks for a fourth round pick in the 2006 Entry Draft. Re-signed forward Kris Beech.
San Jose Sharks - Re-signed centre Wayne Primeau and sign defenceman Tom Preissing.
Toronto Maple Leafs - Re-signed forward Wade Belak and defenceman Aki Berg.
Vancouver Canucks - Re-signed left wing Daniel Sedin and center Henrik Sedin to one-year contracts.
Washington Capitals - Signed unrestricted free agent defencemen Mathieu Biron and Ivan Majesky.

Cases filed for arbitration:

Just 11 NHL players - including Hossa - invoked their right for salary arbitration Wednesday, the deadline to file under the guidelines of the new collective bargaining agreement.
Also opting for arbitration were Brenden Morrow of Dallas, Shawn Horcoff of Edmonton, Paul Mara of Phoenix, Mattias Ohlund of Vancouver, Dick Tarnstrom and Josef Melichar of Pittsburgh.
The New York Islanders featured the highest number of players, with Trent Hunter, Justin Papineau, Mike York and Brent Sopel filing. York and Sopel were acquired in trades with Edmonton and Vancouver, respectively, last week.
According to the new CBA, players are eligible for salary arbitration after four years in the NHL, as opposed to the previous three-year period.
Also new to the agreement is the right for teams to take players to arbitration. Players who made more than $1.5 million in their previous season can be taken to arbitration by their teams instead of receiving qualifying offers. Clubs also can elect arbitration for Group II free agents who declined to choose the procedure.
Teams have until 5 p.m. EDT on Thursday to file for arbitration against players. All hearings will take place in Toronto from August 23-September 1
-thanks to www.tsn.ca for reports

Pens at it again! Land Thibault after losing out on Burke.

Spurned by Sean Burke on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins responded by acquiring goaltender Jocelyn Thibault from the Chicago Blackhawks Wednesday in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2006 Entry Draft.
Burke was considering an offer from the Penguins, but signed instead with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Thibault, 30, is a restricted free agent.
He is also a veteran of 536 NHL games with a record of 227-217-68. He is coming off hip surgery that was to fix a problem that cost him 60 games in the 2003-2004 season.
The trade is the third for Thibault. He was part of the package that the Montreal Canadiens received in the Patrick Roy deal in 1995. In 1999, he was traded to Chicago in a deal that brought Jeff Hackett, Eric Weinrich and Alain Nasreddine to Montreal.

So where does that leave Cujo? I would think Vancouver, Colorado, Phoenix, LA Kings, St Louis have to be serious candidates to land the number one netminder. Also, Boston, Anaheim, Edmonton and Philly have to at least consider him, despite their strong young goalies. Vancouver and Colorado have to be front runners since they are very close to the cup, while Phoenix could use him to help bolster their lineup and their playoff chances. Not to mention improving Gretzky's chances of being succcessful this season.

Khavanov latest Leaf signing....waiting on Lindros, Carter

JOHN FERGUSON has gone back to his St. Louis roots to find a brainy and brawny defenceman to help the Maple Leafs.
A club official confirmed late last night that the Leafs have signed free agent Alexander Khavanov, squeezed out of Missouri by a glut of defencemen on the Blues, but with four years of National Hockey League experience, a catch for a Toronto team that needed inexpensive veterans to stay under their $39-million salary cap.
The 33-year-old, who will make $1.25 million US on a one-year deal, will fill some of the duties of the departed Brian Leetch, that of an offensive defenceman and power play specialist. Khavanov had a career-high 33 points in 2002-03.
The Moscow-born Khavanov (pronounced Ka-VAN-ov) was a Ferguson project when the Toronto general manager was vice-president and director of hockey operations for the Blues. Khavanov was picked 232nd overall in 1999 when he was well into his 20s, brought over from Moscow Dynamo a couple of years later and was able to jump right into the St. Louis lineup.
The left-shooting Khavanov was considered one of the club's best skaters, a sometimes errant passer, but capable of playing both sides of the rink and holding his own at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds. During the lockout he was almost idle, playing a few games for his one-time club team in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Off the ice, he's a whiz at mathematics and literature, has designs on being a sports columnist and writes an online opinion column for the NHL's Russian web site.
Khavanov was under the radar this week as Ferguson talked to agents for centre Eric Lindros and right winger Anson Carter. Ferguson was asked if he were flirting with trouble by dabbling with Lindros, on the heels of signing Jason Allison, another player with past health issues.
Ferguson said talks with both Lindros and Carter are ongoing. As of last night, no Leafs who were given qualifying offers at the end of July told the GM of their decision.
The Lindros rumour mill was in overdrive around town yesterday, but as has been the case since 1991 when he refused to play for the Quebec Nordiques in hopes of one day landing with his favourite boyhood Leafs, there was no deal.
Ferguson has also promised his Toronto Marlies farmhands will get a fair shot at NHL positions at camp. Leafs' defence prospect Jay Harrison was asked earlier yesterday about free agents making it harder for the kids next month. Harrison, Carlo Colaiacovo, Brendan Bell, Ian White, Pierre Hedin and Staffan Kronwall are among those trying to impress Ferguson.
"To be honest, it wouldn't break my hopes if they brought in one more or 10 more free agent defencemen," Harrison said. "I want to prove to them I can play, that I've progressed or that I can be a call-up. In the new (NHL) workplace, you have to develop from within. Teams that have done well in the past do that. There's a lot more on the line today."
Lindros story: Lindros saga seems destined to end here
-article from By LANCE HORNBY, TORONTO SUN

Speculations continue on remaining big name free agents

The NHL's free-agent frenzy has cooled down and the focus in the hockey world has shifted gears to restricted free agents.
They have until Wednesday to file for salary arbitration, a quick but nasty way to resolve contract stalemates. Restricted free agents who reject one-year qualifying offers from their teams can elect for arbitration and receive a one-or two-year award from the arbitrator. This year's arbitration cases will be heard Aug. 22-Sept. 1.
Several restricted free agents have already accepted their one-year qualifying offers instead of going the arbitration route. Others, like Tampa star Vincent Lecavalier, continue to talk with their clubs.
"We've had discussions with Tampa and we've explored a one-year deal and now we're exploring a multi-year deal," his agent Kent Hughes said Tuesday. "But we're comfortable with where the one-year deal would be at that we don't need to go through the arbitration process."
Lecavalier is among a high-profile group of younger stars, along with Joe Thornton, Jose Theodore, Marty Turco, Zdeno Chara and Wade Redden, who can become unrestricted free agents next summer under the more liberalized free-agent rules of the new collective bargaining agreement.
That is unless they sign long-term deals before next July.
"If we can't get that done (before training camp) then we'll continue to talk throughout the year," Hughes said.
A new twist in arbitration also sees clubs having the right to bring players to arbitration, but no more than two a year. Clubs will notify those players in question on Thursday.
In the meantime, the cupboard is nearly empty but not completely bare on the unrestricted free-agent market.

The bigger-name forwards left include Teemu Selanne, Jozef Stumpel, Eric Lindros, John LeClair, Anson Carter and Peter Bondra.
"There has been interest," Stumpel's agent Rick Curran said Tuesday. "There's one club in particular that the interest is a little more heightened, particularly from Jozef's standpoint. We're just kind of waiting to see what that situation will be. They have some other matters on their agenda that they have to address first before they can either move forward on Jozef one way or another."
Curran would not say, but it's believed Pittsburgh would like to sign Stumpel and reunite him with Slovak friend and newly acquired star Ziggy Palffy, but only if star prospect Evgeni Malkin can't get out of his contract in Russia.
Lindros, for the millionth time, has been linked to his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. His father and agent Carl Lindros continues to filter through their options.
"Hopefully by the end of the week we'll have a good idea what's happening," Carl said Tuesday.
One point to remember with the oft-injured Lindros: he was clearly the best player on the New York Rangers in 2003-04 before getting hurt. He's worth the gamble if the price is right.

Selanne, meanwhile, is attracting a number of phone calls but his agent Don Baizley described it more as "kicking tires" Tuesday. Something could happen by the end of the week on that front.
Bondra, 37, is taking his time deciding his future.
"There's about nine teams interested at this point," his agent Ritch Winter said Tuesday.
Perhaps of more interest is the musical chairs about to be played out in goal.

There remains a number of free-agent goalies available and a number of teams needing at the very least a backup: clubs such as Pittsburgh, Calgary, Boston, Tampa Bay, Phoenix, Anaheim and maybe Vancouver depending whether or not the Canucks want Alex Auld as their No. 2. Add Chicago to that mix if - it's more a question of when - the Blackhawks trade Jocelyn Thibault after signing Nikolai Khabibulin last Friday.
Curtis Joseph, Sean Burke, Mike Dunham, Steve Shields, Arturs Irbe, Byron Dafoe and Ron Tugnutt are all looking for jobs.
Once fellow 38-year-olds Joseph and Burke sign on, the rest of the goalie shuffle should take place.
"I think that the two who are probably the most identifiable in that group are Sean and Curtis," Burke's agent Mike Liut said Tuesday. "And everybody falls into line after that, I think that's probably accurate."
Joseph is an intriguing option. Can he still deliver like a No. 1 starter? Most likely, yes.
"Just having general discussions but nothing specific yet," Joseph's agent Don Meehan said Tuesday when asked to update his talks with teams.
The Penguins have looked at both Joseph and Burke, wanting a quality veteran to help bring along Marc-Andre Fleury but at the same time help win games on a team that's transformed itself overnight with Sidney Crosby, Sergei Gonchar and Palffy.
Burke has also drawn interest from Calgary, where he would back up star Miikka Kiprusoff, as well as other clubs.
"Sean has had calls from six teams, and for varying amounts of money and varying amounts of responsibility," said Liut. "Calgary is a team and it does have a lot of appeal to him. But he's taking his time to look at what's out there.
"I think he's very close to making a decision."
Another 38-year-old looking for a job is Irbe. But the Latvian is in the camp that needs to wait for Burke and Joseph to make their move.
"With goaltenders it's always a difficult market," said his agent Paul Theofanous. "Is there some interest? Yes. If you watched the world championship (in May), you would have seen that he played real well."
A pair of 33-year-olds are also waiting in the wings in Dunham and Shields.
"We've talked to a lot of teams," said Dunham's agent Bob Murray. "I suspect it'll be a situation that one or two teams make a move and sign a goalie, I think that'll spur both the remaining goalies and the remaining teams to get moving with a little bit more urgency."
Shields can fill that veteran backup role well, having been a mentor for Roberto Luongo in Florida, Evgeni Nabokov in San Jose and J.S. Giguere in Anaheim.
"There's a lot of interest in Steve," said his agent Kurt Overhardt. "I think there's one goalie out there, and I won't name him by name, teams are waiting to see what he's going to do and once that happens things will kind of go forward and wrap up. Steve has a lot of opportunities."
Overhardt was either referring to Burke or Joseph, either way once again pushing that domino theory.
The gem on defence is Roman Hamrlik, who has already turned down a few offers.
"Our focus is trying to put him in the best situation in terms of playoffs, he hasn't had that opportunity much of his career," said Winter, also his agent. "We've turned down opportunities that were quite lucrative with non-playoff teams and left our focus to be trying to find the best deal, not only economically, but also in terms of the teams' prospects (for winning). So we're being patient and we'll see how that ends up."
Glen Wesley will more than likely stay in Carolina.
"I spoke with Jim Rutherford yesterday, who indicated to me that they want to get serious about discussions about keeping him in Carolina," said Curran, Wesley's agent. "So that's where we are at right now. It's been his home for a number of years and all things being equal that's where he should be even though there has been interest from other clubs."
Curran also represents beteramn defenceman Bryan Marchment, who wants to stay in Toronto.
"The Leafs have suggested that they have a continued interest in having him, subject to whatever else they're trying to do with their lineup," Curran said. "For the moment, we just have to wait until they tell us what they're prepared to do one way or another."
Scott Lachance and Marcus Ragnarsson are also solid options left on the blue-line among the unrestricted free agents.
-thanks to www.sportsnet.ca

Lightning Strike...Bolts beat Penguins! Sign Sean Burke...More signings

Veteran goaltender Sean Burke has been plucked from the free agent list, signing a two year $1.6 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Burke, 38, was reportedly being courted by several NHL teams since the free agent signing period began on August 1.
"Shortly after the new CBA was announced, Sean Burke was the goaltender we identified as we began formulating contingency plans for how we would proceed if Khabibulin left our team," Lightning general manager Jay Feaster said. "We did a lot of homework on Sean, and we believe that not only will he come in and compete with John Grahame and battle for the No. 1 spot, but if he doesn't win that contest, he will be a 'team first' player.
"From all accounts, everyone who knows him calls him an incredible teammate and a true leader within the locker room. He is a perfect fit for our organization."

Other signings and transactions for August 9th:

Atlanta Thrashers - Signed defenseman Shane Hnidy and right wings Brian Maloney and Adam Smyth.
Calgary Flames - Acquired goaltender Philippe Sauve from the Colorado Avalanche for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2006.
Colorado Avalanche - Re-signed restricted free agent defenceman Karlis Skrastins.
Carolina Hurricanes - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Kevyn Adams.
Edmonton Oilers - Agreed to terms with restricted free agent centre Marty Reasoner.
Minnesota Wild - Re-signed restricted free agent centre Todd White, forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard and defenceman Willie Mitchell.
Philadelphia Flyers - Re-signed restricted free agent forwards Branko Radivojevic and Patrick Sharp and defenceman Kim Johnsson.
St. Louis Blues - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Dean McAmmond. Re-signed restricted free agent defenceman Bryce Salvador, and forwards Eric Boguniecki and Colin Hemingway.
Tampa Bay Lightning - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Rob DiMaio. Re-signed restricted free agent forward Dmitri Afanasenkov and restricted free agent defenceman Dan Boyle.
Toronto Maple Leafs - Signed defenceman Staffan Kronwall and center Alexander Steen to multi-year contracts.
Washington Capitals - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Andrew Cassels. Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Lawrence Nycholat.

My Leafs...If I had my way!

Hot Rumors - August 9th

Lindros - Toronto
Carter - Toronto
Joseph - Phoenix, TB, Vancouver
Burke - Pittsburgh, Vancouver
Thibault - LA, Edmonton, TB, Vancouver
LeClair - NYR
Hrdina - Pittsburgh
Gratton - Chicago, St. Louis, Edmonton, NYR
Hamrlik - NYR
Mogilny - LA, Anaheim, Toronto
Stumpel - Pittsburgh

Other interesting names:

Lindgren, Perreault, Hlavac, Grosek, Green, Stumpel, Deadmarsh, Sandy McCarthy, Mironov, Bondra, Hackett, Mogilny, Selanne, Nikolishin, Tommy Salo, V.Bure, Sekeras, Stumpel, Cechmanek, Khavanov, Potvin, Dafoe, Tremblay, Dunham, Czerkawski, Battaglia, Grand-Pierre, Quintal, and Messier.

NHL about to get new TV deal

PHILADELPHIA (CP) - The NHL is on the verge of signing off with a new U.S. cable TV partner, according to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Comcast has formally submitted a two-year bid in excess of $100 million US to televise NHL games beginning this fall, sources directly involved in the discussions told the Inquirer in Tuesday's edition.
The deal calls for Comcast to televise two games a week nationally. The cable giant plans to put the games on its on its Outdoor Life Network, which is also available in Canada.
Comcast submitted its bid over the weekend, according to the Inquirer. The NHL could act on it by this weekend. The company is a major owner of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Comcast spokesperson Tim Fitzpatrick declined Monday to comment on the network's interest in the NHL. The NHL also declined when reached by the Inquirer.
If the NHL approves the deal, the contract will be forwarded to ESPN. In April, ESPN opted not to renew its $70-million option to televise the NHL for 2005-06 and 2006-07, but ESPN retains the right to match the new offer, a source told the Inquirer. ESPN has carried NHL games in the United States since 1985.
The NHL also has a national broadcast deal with NBC but needed a new cable partner after ESPN withdrew in April.

Signings - August 8th

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim - Signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Jason Marshall.
Atlanta Thrashers - Signed unrestricted free agent forwards Scott Barney, Eric Boulton and Ramzi Abid.
Buffalo Sabres - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Mike Grier.
Carolina Hurricanes - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Matt Cullen.
Columbus Blue Jackets - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Rick Nash.
Detroit Red Wings - Signed unrestricted free agent goaltender Chris Osgood.
Los Angeles Kings - Agreed to terms with centre Eric Belanger on a one-year contract.
Minnesota Wild - Signed goaltender Miroslav Kopriva to a rookie contract.
Montreal Canadiens - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Pierre Dagenais.
San Jose Sharks - Re-signed restricted free agent defencemen Rob Davison and Jim Fahey.
Washington Capitals - Signed unrestricted free agent forwards Miroslav Zalesak and Ben Clymer.
Vancouver Canucks - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Richard Park.

Bertuzzi Reinstated

Bertuzzi was suspended indefinitely on March 8, 2004, for a blind-side punch that seirously injured Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore.
(CP) -- The NHL has reinstated Todd Bertuzzi, saying the Vancouver Canuck forward has suffered enough for his sucker punch on Steve Moore, a decision Moore finds disappointing.
In announcing his decision Monday, commissioner Gary Bettman said Bertuzzi is "immediately eligible" to begin playing hockey.In a 4,500-word ruling, Bettman said he believes Bertuzzi "is genuinely remorseful and apologetic for his actions ... and the consequences that have flowed from such actions."But Tim Danson, the lawyer representing Moore, said the former Colorado Avalanche player still doesn't know if he will ever be able to play hockey again."He is quite disappointed, given he is unable to resume his NHL career and may never resume his NHL career," Danson said in an interview."It's disappointing to him that Mr. Bertuzzi is able to resume his career at this particular time. Steve has an uncertain future. He's got health challenges to deal with."While he maintains a very positive attitude ... at this point he really is in the hands of doctors who will have to make the determination whether or not he will be able to play again."Danson also denied published reports in a Toronto newspaper that a doctor has given medical clearance for Moore to play hockey again.Bertuzzi was given an indefinite suspension for his March 8, 2004, sucker punch which resulted in Moore suffering a broken neck, cuts and a concussion.Bettman said the 17 months Bertuzzi has been unable to play hockey cost him both financially and emotionally."After listening to Mr. Bertuzzi and his wife Julie Bertuzzi, I have no doubt that this period of indefinite suspension has been mark by uncertainty, anxiety, stress and emotional pain for the Bertuzzi family," he said.But he warned Bertuzzi that he was "on probation" for the 2005-06 season."Mr. Bertuzzi is on notice that he will be held strictly accountable to a higher standard than other NHL players for his on ice conduct during the 2005-06 season," he said.Bertuzzi was suspended for the remaining 13 regular season games of the 2003 04 season and the playoffs, which lasted only seven games for Vancouver after the Canucks lost to Calgary in the first round.Bertuzzi's suspension also cost him a chance for play for Canada in the September 2004 World Cup of Hockey and the May 2005 IIHF world hockey championship. The IIHF respected the NHL's suspension and wouldn't let him play in Europe during the lockout.The suspension cost Bertuzzi $501,926.39 US in salary. Bettman said Bertuzzi told him he had also lost another $350,000 in endorsements.Hockey Canada has already sent a request to the Canucks that Bertuzzi be available for a Team Canada Olympic training camp next week in Vancouver and Kelowna."I'm glad the NHL has finally stepped in and put him back in the game and reinstated him," Wayne Gretzky, Team Canada's executive director, told TSN in an interview. "Nobody condones what Todd did. I'm sure he'd be the first one to tell you it was a mistake."But you know it's time to move forward. We will invite him to our training camp. He's an elite player and I expect him to have a great year and be part of Team Canada come February in Italy."Canuck GM Dave Nonis said he spoke briefly with Bertuzzi."He was in good spirits and was very relieved," Nonis said."It's a decision he hoped he would receive and I think he's going to have a very good rest of the week."In December in Vancouver, Bertuzzi pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm and received a conditional discharge. He was sentenced to a year's probation and 80 hours of community service.Part of that probation was that Bertuzzi not play hockey or engage "in any other sporting activity involving Mr. Moore as a participant.""Subject to the continuing terms of the conditional discharge in Mr. Bertuzzi's criminal case and the `probationary period' which this decision imposes, Mr. Bertuzzi is immediately eligible for reinstatement for play in the NHL," Bettman said.Asked about Moore's health, Danson said Moore has improved to the point where he is attempting to train."He's trying to get back to where he was," Danson said Monday prior to the announcement. "There's challenges, He's moving along.""He is determined to make a full recovery and resume his NHL career," Danson added. "However he has suffered very serious injuries and a serious head injury. He has to defer to the experts with respect to where he goes from here. Even if you make a full recovery by appearances, concussion injuries are a different kind of injury."Moore has filed a civil suit in Denver naming Bertuzzi, former Canucks forward Brad May, Canucks coach Marc Crawford, former GM Brian Burke and Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment, which owns the team.Bettman's decision was released the same day that Gretzky announced he was taking over as coach of the Phoenix Coyotes.The commissioner said he believed Bertuzzi "has paid a very significant price for his conduct on March 8, 2004." "I anticipate that there will be those who will say that Mr. Bertuzzi's 17-month suspension is inadequate, and not proportionate to suspensions imposed on other players for conduct that may be considered `less severe' than Mr. Bertuzzi's actions because of the work stoppage that wiped out the entire 2004-05 NHL season," said Bettman. "I disagree."In light of the unusual circumstances surrounding the 2004-05 season, it is appropriate to consider not only the significant impact the suspension has had on Mr. Bertuzzi's NHL career, but also the impact that the league's suspension has had on Mr. Bertuzzi's ability to play professional hockey anywhere during this time, as well as the financial, criminal, civil and emotional consequences he has endured as a result of his conduct on March 8, 2004."Danson, meanwhile, said prior to the league announcement that Moore had undergone a comprehensive medical evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic in June. A follow-up examine is being conducted this week.The results of that examination won't be known until at least the end of the month.
-courtesy www.sportsnet.ca

Osgood back to Detroit

Chris Osgood is going back to Detroit. TSN has learned that the veteran goaltender has signed a one-year deal for $900,000.
In Red Wings history, only Terry Sawchuk has posted more wins and shutouts than Osgood, who recorded 221 wins and 30 shutouts for Detroit between 1993 and 2001. Osgood back-stopped the Wings to their second straight Stanley Cup title in 1998.
His NHL totals include 305 wins, 41 shutouts, and a 2.44 goals against average. His playoff record is 44-33 with a 2.22 goals aginst average.
Osgood, was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 3rd round (54th overall) in 1991. He shared the William Jennings Trophy for the lowest goals against average with teammate Mike Vernon in 1995-96.
In September of 2001, he was claimed by the New York Islanders in the NHL waiver draft. He was traded to the St. Louis Blues at the 2003 trade deadline. In his last NHL season, Osgood showed he could still play, posting a 31-25-8 record with the Blues, including a 2.24 goals against average.
Curtis Joseph, who was the Red Wings' last starting goaltender, is an unrestricted free agent. Detroit now has two goaltenders under contract: Manny Legace is scheduled to make $1.162 million this season.

Coach Gretzky

PHOENIX (CP) - Wayne Gretzky has decided to become head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, the Arizona Republic reported Sunday.
Gretzky is expected to officially be named coach Monday, several NHL sources told the Republic.
When contacted by The Canadian Press, Coyotes spokesman Rich Nairn said he could not confirm the story and that team had no events scheduled for Monday.
Gretzky, the NHL's all-time leading scorer and the managing partner of the Coyotes, had said he would wait until a new collective bargaining agreement was in place before deciding whether to take on the coaching job.
According to the Republic, former Detroit Red Wings associate coach Barry Smith will be named as one of Gretzky's two assistants.
Former Coyotes player Rick Tocchet or interim head coach Rick Bowness will be the other.
Gretzky would take over for Bowness, who stepped in as interim coach after Bob Francis was fired in the 2003-2004 season.
Gretzky is the final year of a five-year contract with the club and is a longtime friend of Coyotes general manager Mike Barnett.
He has already committed to serve as executive director for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics in Turin in February.
The Coyotes have a new $220-million US arena, which they have yet to play a full season in. They moved to the Glendale Arena in December 2003, but they didn't get opportunity to open a season there before the lockout began.

Nash to sign long term deal with Columbus Blue Jackets

Reports indicate that the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to sign restricted free agent forward Rick Nash to a five-year contract worth $27 million US.
ESPN The Magazine's E.J. Hradek reported Saturday that the deal was worth $27 million US over five years. The Columbus Dispatch adds that the contract will pay Nash $3.5 million US in the first year, and elevates to $7 million US in the fifth and final year.
"All that's left is a little paperwork," Blue Jackets GM Doug MacLean told the Dispatch Sunday.
"It sets up our franchise for the next five years. Rick made the commitment and Mr. Mac (majority owner John H. McConnell) made the commitment."
Nash, who was taken first overall by the Blue Jackets in 2002, shared the Rocket Richard Trophy with Jarome Iginla and Ilya Kovalchuk after scoring a career-high 41 goals in 2003-04.
"I love it in Columbus," Nash told the Dispatch last week. "There's nowhere else I want to play."
In 2003-04, Nash made $1.185 million US.
Nash was named to the NHL's All-Rookie Team after collecting 17 goals and 22 assists in his rookie season of 2002-03.
Last season, Nash recorded 27 goals and 20 assists while playing with Davos in Switzerland.
-referenced from www.tsn.ca

Whitney signs with Canes - more signings August 6th

RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) - The Carolina Hurricanes added another solid veteran forward Saturday, signing left wing Ray Whitney to a two-year contract.
TSN has learned the deal is worth $3 million.
On Tuesday, the Hurricanes signed Cory Stillman, who finished tied for seventh in scoring in 2003-04 with a career-high 80 points.
Whitney, who had his contract bought out by Detroit last month, was drafted 23rd overall in 1991 by San Jose. The 33-year-old recorded 14 goals and 29 assists in 67 games in 2003-04, his first season with the Red Wings.
A two-time All-Star, Whitney scored 20-plus goals in five of the previous six seasons, including a career-high 33 in 1997-98. The 5-10 native of Alberta has 205 tallies and 330 assists in 700 career contests with the Sharks, Edmonton, Florida, Columbus and Detroit.

Today's signings:

Carolina Hurricanes - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Ray Whitney.
Colorado Avalanche - Re-signed restricted free agent forward Milan Hejduk. Signed unrestricted free agent forward Andrew Brunette.
Nashville Predators - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Scott Nichol.
Pittsburgh Penguins - Signed unrestricted free agent forward Ziggy Palffy.

Rumors:

Lindros - Toronto
LeClair - NYR
Cujo - Pittsburgh, TB
Hrdina - Pittsburgh
Burke - Pittsburgh
Carter - Toronto, LA
Gratton - Chicago, St. Louis, Edmonton
Hamrlik - NYR
Mogilny - LA, Anaheim

Other interesting names:

Lindgren, Perreault, Hlavac, Grosek, Green, Stumpel, Deadmarsh, Sandy McCarthy, Mironov, Bondra, Hackett, Mogilny, Selanne, Nikolishin, Tommy Salo, Bure, Sekeras, Stumpel, Cechmanek, Khavanov, Osgood, Potvin, Dafoe, Tremblay, Dunham, and Messier.

Ziggy latest Penguin....Go Pens Go!!!

Sportsnet has learned the Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to a three-year, $13.5-million contract with free agent forward Zigmund Palffy.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have added another star to help rebuild the franchise.
Sportsnet has learned the Penguins have agreed to a three-year, $13.5-million contract with free agent forward Zigmund Palffy.
Pittsburgh has added some serious firepower to its squad since the lockout came to an end. They won the draft lottery -- and more importantly the rights to Sidney Crosby -- in July, and this week they have also added Palffy and all-star defenceman Sergei Gonchar to their lineup. Former Tampa Bay bruiser Andre Roy also headed to Steeltown this week to add some protection for Mario Lemieux and Crosby.
Palffy has averaged more than a point per game throught a career that began with the New York Islanders who dealt him to Los Angeles after six seasons.

The former King has recorded 318 goals and 671 points in 642 career games. He recorded 41 points in 35 games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in January of 2004.
Palffy, drafted in 1991 by the New York Islanders, signed a six-year, $42 million contract with the team in 1998 and was shortly dealt to the Kings in a package that sent forward Olli Jokinen, Josh Green, Mathieu Biron and 1st round selection (Taylor Pyatt) to Long Island.
In 642 games with the Islanders and Kings, he has amassed 318 goals and 671 points.

Hejduk signs 5 year deal to stay with Avs

DENVER (CP) - The Colorado Avalanche signed all-star winger Milan Hejduk to a five-year deal Saturday.
The five-foot-11, 185-pound Hejduk played for Pardubice HC in the Czech Elite League this past season, recording 25 goals and 26 assists in 48 games.
Hejduk has eclipsed the 30-goal barrier four times in his six-year NHL career, including 50 in 2002-03 to collect the Maurice (Rocket) Richard Trophy as the league's top goal-scorer.
"I wanted to keep playing in Denver for a long time," Hejduk said in a statement. "There's no better place to play hockey than in Colorado, where our fans have been so supportive.
"We always have a chance to win every night. I'm looking forward to the upcoming season and this new NHL era."
In the 2001 Stanley Cup playoffs, Hejduk led all NHL scorers with 16 assists in 23 games, helping the Colorado Avalanche to its second Stanley Cup Championship.
Hejduk will be looked upon to fill the void left by former Avs star Peter Forsberg, who signed as a free agent with Philadelphia.
"Since his rookie season in 1998-99, he has been an instrumental part of the success of this franchise," said Avalanche president and GM Pierre Lacroix. "At 29, he is in the prime of his career and we strongly believe he will be a strong contributor to our club and Milan will thrive in this new NHL landscape."
Hejduk won a gold medal with the Czech Republic at the 1998 Olympics, and also played in the 2002 Olympics and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.