June 30, 2008
Teams Adjusting Rosters Before Free Agency Deadline
With the free agent deadline looming, several teams have been working with their rosters in preparation of gaining or losing new players.
Kings-Oilers
The Kings sent defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky to Edmonton for center Jarret Stoll and defenseman Matt Greene. Visnovsky's numbers have declined the past 2 seasons, but he is still a solid puck-mover on the blueline. Edmonton gets his 5-year, 28 million dollar contract in the process. LA gets Stoll, who is looking for a fresh start after posting a -23 rating last season. He will be a restricted free agent, so the Kings need get get him under contract. Greene is looking for a breakout season of his own, as he missed over half of last season with injuries, finishing with a -3 rating in 46 games, which brings his career plus/minus rating to -31.
While they have to deal with his hefty contract, the Oilers leave this trade with the best player. Unfortunately it gives Edmonton a lot of puck-movers on the blueline, so it will be interesting to see where that goes. LA gets a pair of youngsters with the potential to be a #2 center and a top-4 defenseman.
Stars
Dallas has extended the contract of young forward Loui Eriksson by two more years to the tune of 3.2 million. In the final year of his contract Eriksson had career highs with 14 goals and 17 assists. Dallas hopes he can match or exceed those totals in the next 2 years.
Flyers
The Flyers have brought forward Jeff Carter back under contract. TSN is reporting a 3-year deal worth 15 million. They are also reporting that former Cap Steve Eminger has signed a one-year deal.
Ducks - Maple Leafs - Thrashers - Blue Jackets
All of these guys are shedding unwanted salaries, with several players being bought out and/or hitting waivers. Anaheim has bought out the final year of Todd Bertuzzi's contract for 2.6 million, and he has already cleared waivers.
Toronto is in the process of buying out goalie Andrew Raycroft's final year for 2.2 million after buying out Darcy Tucker earlier this week.
Atlanta has cut loose veteran Alexei Zhitnik after a disappointing season. After trading away Braydon Coburn to Philly for Zhitnik, Coburn has thrived while Zhitnik has disappointed. With Alexei gone, hopefully Thrashers GM Don Waddell can put the awful trade behind him.
Columbus has also parted with a veteran, as Duvie Westcott has be bought out after a poor season of his own. Over parts of 6 seasons he has posted 56 points in 201 games, and has a career -43 rating for the Jackets. He has cleared waivers and is now a free agent.
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01:23 PM