Steven’s Hockey Corner
July 3rd, 2006 | by Steven M |Free Agency
There have been a few big splashes already!
Check out the details here. The NHL page is simple and updates the fastest.
The ESPN page includes a few more details, like terms of the deal.
The biggest splashers so far are the Minnesota Wild. They traded for Pavel Demitra and have signed Mark Parrish, Keith Carney, Kim Johnnson - all solid veterans, with Careny the only one on the downside of his career.
Moves of significance:
Rob Blake goes back to the Kings. He still holds most King’s D-man records, despite 5 years in Colorado.
Martin Gerber, forgotten G in Raleigh, signs with the Senators. With Hasek gone, the Sens again have questions in goal. Now they have 2 young guys with a bit of playoff experience.
Matt Cullen, 49 point man with the ‘Canes, signs with the upstart Rangers.
Oilers resign Pisani and Roloson. Not unexpected but important.
Maple Leafs get Hal Gill and Pavel Kubina, two veteran Defensive D-men to compliment the offensive Kaberle. A good move.
The other big winners - maybe - are the Boston Bruins. They signed Marc Savard, who had 97 points with Atlanta last year. AND the question mark, signing Zdeno Chara. Great move on the ice, but 5 years at $7.5 mil per?! An iffy move by a franchise whose recent history is, well, iffy.
