Pekka Rinne – Rinne having made quite a statement in the past couple of years has proven that he is capable of being a true #1 goalie in the league. That said, the New York Rangers certainly have paid close attention to this fact, as they have signed the consistent goalie to a 3 year contract (3 years - $5.5M/yr);
Dwayne Roloson – The never aging goaltender, Dwayne Roloson, has proved once again last year that he still has what it takes to win important games down the stretch and into the playoffs. The Pittsburgh Penguins are hoping that Roloson has one more magical season in him, as they signed the veteran to a 1 year contract (1 year - $900K/yr);
David Rundblad – One of the most coveted European prospects, David Rundblad, who won the Salming award last year has fielded quite a few offers from UHP teams. At the end of the day, Rundblad will be heading the Canada’s Capital to play for the Ottawa Senators on a 3 year deal (3 years – 1.8M/yr);
Tuomo Ruutu – Brother if NHL pest, Jarkko, Tuomo has fought injuries for a large part of his career. Regardless of this fact, Los Angeles Kings representatives have informed us that Ruutu has been working out hard during the offseason, getting his body ready for a full professional season. (2 years, $2.5M/yr);
Luke Schenn – Coming off his entry level contract, Luke Schenn has signed a 3 year deal with the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks may have a steal here, as Schenn is developing into an excellent shut down “D” who led the league in Hits last year for all defenseman (3 years, $1M/yr);
Teemu Selanne – Reports indicate that at least 2 teams pitched their bid to future Hall of Famer, Teemu Selanne. Although it is still uncertain whether or not Selanne will suit up for yet another season, the Los Angeles Kings are banking on the fact that he will indeed, as they signed Selanne to a 1 year contract in hopes in enticing him back to the ice. (1 year, $1.5M/yr);
Patrick Sharp – After splitting his professional career between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Chicago Blackhawks, Patrick Sharp will once again be packing his bags and heading to the City of Angels, as he has signed a 3 year deal with the Los Angeles Kings, joining the likes of Brian Campbell as a former Blackhawk (3 years – 7.1M/yr);
Jakob Silfverberg – The Anaheim Ducks have signed European prospect Jakob Silfverberg. Although ongoing club efforts to get the young player to stay in North America, Silfverberg has indicated that he will return to Sweden for 1 more season, before making his way to the UHP (1 year - $500K);
Sheldon Souray – After having spent the last couple of seasons in the Edmonton Oilers doghouse, Sheldon Souray leave the AHL club, the Hersey Bears, and will suit up for the Ottawa Senators. Both Souray and the Senators hope the once Power Play Specialist can return to the top of his game in order to help his new club win a UHP Championship (1 year - $2M/yr);
Jason Spezza – Nearing the end of last season, Spezza seemed to find his comfort zone with the younger players on his hockey club. Seeing many of the veterans leave, Spezza took the opportunity to excel both as a leader and as a consistent point producer. With that in mind, many teams have noticed the transformation in Spezza’s game and attempted to land one of the true #1 Centers in the league. When all was said and done, Spezza will be heading for Oakland for the next 3 years. (3 years – 5.9M/yr);
Martin St-Louis – Helping the Lightning within 1 goal of the final round of the playoffs last year, Martin St-Louis has signed which is most likely his last long-term contract, as he has agreed to a 3 year deal with the Los Angeles Kings. (3 years - $9M/yr);
Paul Stastny – After having experienced a slight dip in performance, Paul Stastny will attempt to get back to his near point a game pace when he joins the Montreal Canadiens for the next few seasons. (3 years - $5M/yr);
Steve “Sully” Sullivan – Agreeing to a 1 year contract, the Pittsburgh Penguins have come to terms with the veteran, Steve Sullivan. Sullivan will act as both a support player on the ice, as well as a mentor to many of the new faces around the Pittsburgh Organization. (1 year - $800K);
Vladimir Tarasenko – The New Jersey Devils have aimed their sights on former 1st rounder Vladamir Tarasenko, who’s rights were trade during the 2010 draft, seeing David Rundblad’s rights go the other way. Tarasenko’s skill level is off the charts, however, the only question mark here is whether he will find his way over to North America in the coming years or not. (3 years, $1.1M/yr);
Tomas Tatar – Spending the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons with Grand Rapids, Tatar will attempt to make a deep Pittsburgh Penguins’ squad. If he is not able to crack the lineup, he will most likely return to junior for at least 1 more season. (3 years - $700K/yr);
Tim Thomas – Just a few months removed from capturing the Vezina trophy, the heart and soul goaltender you can’t stand but to cheer for will attempt to duplicate last season’s success with the Oakland Seals. (3 years - $3.3M/yr);
Antoine Vermette – The former Senator and Penalty Killing specialist has signed a 1 year deal with the Anaheim Ducks. (1 year - $1.2M/yr);
Tomas Vokoun – After early rumours indicating that Vokoun was getting squeezed out of the goalie market, Vokoun’s agent has since worked his magic, securing a decent contract worth a total of $7.2M over the next 3 years with the New Jersey Devils (3 years - $7.2M/yr);
Ryan Whitney – After having been bought out by the Oakland Seals in the prior season, Whitney has decided to try his fate once again with the same team. When asked about his decision, Whitney had the following to say. “Easy – 2 consecutive cups. It’s clear management knows what they are doing, and I want to be a part of it” (3 years - $1 800 100/yr);
Ray Whitney – Whitney’s experience will be invaluable as he joins the New Jersey Devils on a 1 year contract (1 year - $600K/yr);
Justin Williams – The Oakland Seals have come to terms with Justin Williams. Williams, yet another player that once played for the Seals, has resigned with the former 2 UHP Championship Club. “I was a little disappointed that the Ducks made no efforts in resigning me, since my point totals have jumped significantly last season. That said, I am extremely excited to resume my career with the Seals” (3 years - $2.1M/yr);
Henrik Zetterberg – Possibly one of the best 2-way forwards in the game today, Zetterberg had lots to chose from this off-season. Offers ranged from $7M to $10M per season. Once the deadline passed, Zetterberg signed a 3 year deal worth a total of $30M with the Anaheim Ducks. “This was an extremely important signing for our club. We feel that we have a good core here in Anaheim, and Zetterberg will only solidify our forward position”. (3 years - $10M/yr);
With the Free Agency Period coming to a close, many of the teams have just a few tweaks to make to their roster before they hit the ice for Main Camp, followed by Preseason. Stay tuned for more information, as this season is gearing up to be one of the best and most competitive.
Cheers,
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UHP Commissioner
hockey.fantasysports.yahoo.com/league/uhockeypool
Zetterberg baby!!
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