Finally A Developer Who Wants to Keep The Isles In Nassau

Update: Randi Marshall confirmed that Donald Monti and Ed Blumenfeld both submitted RFQ's by todays deadline.  She wasnt sure if there was anyone else who filed or not, she said she hoped to have more by tomorrow. 

If they were the only ones that would certainly benefit us because as you can see below Monti is pretty committed to having the Islanders stay at the property.

https://twitter.com/randimarshall

According to Randi Marshall of Newsday, developer Donald Monti who is partnered with people in projects in Glen Cove and Hempstead plans to submit an RFQ for the Coliseum by the Monday deadline and if hes chosen he plans to include the arena in his proposal and keep the team here.

Marshall has a quote from Monti which in short says, "...People don’t realize the importance of a major league franchise...To lose them...would be a travesty."  That is 100% correct and I have been echoing that sentiment for a while now as it has seemed to have fallen on deaf ears when it comes to the powers at be in Nassau.

Monti also tells Marshall that he has a relationship with Wang and so if he wins the RFQ he could make contact with him.  Randi speculates that we could know the winner of the RFQ sometime next month.

Here are a few quotes from Monti directly from Randis twitter:

Developer Donald Monti, who is working in village of Hempstead and city of Glen Cove, plans to submit to #isles RFQ and wants to keep arena

Monti says: "If I’m going to be involved it will be with the Islanders staying.” #isles

 "Piece of interest: Monti's partner in Glen Isle project is Scott Rechler, Wang's former partner in Lighthouse. #isles"


https://twitter.com/randimarshall#

Wilpons Approached To Be Part of "Hub" Development

According to Jim Baumbach from Newsday, a developer approached the Wilpons about teaming up on a "hub" development.  However, the Wilpons decided to sit out.

Although, according to both Baumbach and Randi Marshall even if they aren't part of the RFQ they are still able to be involved in plans later.  Baumbach notes that they were very interested in 2006 when the Lighthouse was selected, their plan finished second behind the Lighthouse.

The deadline for RFQ is on Monday.

https://twitter.com/jimbaumbach

Steve Staios Retires

Well, as we all already knew, Steve Staios officially retired from the NHL today.  His sixteen year NHL career ended last season here on Long Island where on April 5th, 2012 he played his 1000th NHL game.

Today, Staios was hired by the Leafs as a player development advisor.  We would like to wish Steve the best of luck.

photo courtesy of http://a.espncdn.com

BREAKING: Ranger Acquire Rick Nash From Jackets

According to TSN, the Rangers have acquired Bluejackets captain Rick Nash.  In exchange for Nash they gave up forward Brandon Duinsky, defenseman Tim Erixon, a 1st round pick and Artem Anisimov. 

Well, we knew this would happen sooner or later.  I don't know if it was the haul the Jackets were initially looking for but I don't think they did bad at all.

https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/227475179461304320

Visnovsky Files A Grievance With NHLPA To Block Trade To The Isles

Update: According to Chris Botta, the Islanders knew of the grievance on June 30th as that is when it was filed.  However, they just told Newsday about it today.

According to Arthur Staple of Newsday, defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky has filed a grievance with the NHLPA to block his trade to the Islanders.  If you remember the Islanders acquired Visnovsky from the Ducks at the draft in exchange for a second round pick next year.

Staple is reporting that Visnovsky is claiming that he still has a NTC part of his contract.  The Ducks are going to oppose him in arbitration and if he wins then he will be a Duck but if the Ducks win the trade is valid. 

Staple has quotes from Visnovskys agent Neil Sheehy claiming that its not about Lubo not wanting to be here, its about establishing whats right.

Personally, I don't believe that.  I think that's a nice way to say he doesn't want to come here and trying to find a loophole to avoid doing so.  

https://twitter.com/StapeNewsday

Colorado Tragedy Claims Life of Hockey Blogger Jessica Redfield

Update: Here is a blog from Jessicas brother:

http://www.jordanghawi.com/denver-theatre-shooting-jessica-ghawi/

As I am sure most of you are aware, this morning, in a movie theater in Aurora Colorado during the premiere of the new Batman movie there was a shooting in which 12 people were killed and 38 more were wounded.

One of the people who sadly lost their life was Jessica Redfield.  Jessica was an aspiring hockey journalist, as aspiring hockey journalists ourselves this hit home for us.

Jessica was an intern with the you can play team, if you would like to donate visit the link below:

https://donate.youcanplayproject.org/page/contribute/donate-now

If you would like to learn more about Jessica you can view the pieces below from her friends Jesse Spector from aol.sportingnews.com and Adrian Dater from the Denver Post.

http://blogs.denverpost.com/avs/2012/07/20/friend-jessica/11158/

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2012-07-20/colorado-shooting-dark-knight-rises-jessica-redfield-ghawi-jesse-spector

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by this.

 photo courtesy of http://www.quotesbuddy.com

BREAKING: Shea Weber Signs Massive Offer Sheet With the Flyers

Update 4: As I am sure all of you know, this afternoon it was announced that the Predators decided to match the Flyers offer sheet of 14 years and 110 million to Weber and will retain his rights.  It should be interesting to see how this deal effects the Predators financially over the next few years.

Update 3: On 97.3 ESPN radio earlier today, Darren Dreger said that Shea Weber doesn't want to play for the Predators anymore.  Additionally the salary breakdown of the offer sheet is the following:

14 million in the first four years, followed by 12 million in the next two, 6 million in the following four, 3 million, and one million in the final four years.

https://twitter.com/D_LEED  (scroll down a bit and you will see the tweet about him not wanting to play there anymore)

Update 2: Dreger now reports that hes hearing that in one calender year Weber could make 26 million dollars.  If that is true, I believe that would really hamper the Predators chances of matching the offer because I don't believe they have that kind of money.

https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/225827930117382144

Update: Depending on the salary, compensation will either be 2 first rounders, a second, and third or the four firsts as I stated initially.

http://thehockeywriters.com/2011-12-nhl-rfa-compensation-rules/

According to Darren Dregger of TSN, Predators defenseman Shea Weber has signed an offer sheet with the Flyers.

Dreger reports that the offer from Philly is 14 years and upwards of 100 million dollars.  The Predators have one week to either match or decline the offer and take draft pick compensation from Philly.  If they decline to match the offer then they will receive four first round picks in return.

I would have to think that Nashville with match this.  With a quick look at capgeek the Predators have a ton of cap space right now, and after losing Suter they cant afford to lose Weber to.  Although, they may decide the four first round picks they would receive would be more appealing.  Nashville has a HUGE decision to make.

https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/225814498567663616

Minor News of The Day

Lost in the shuffle with all the arena news today was that Islanders top prospect Kirill Kabanov is celebrating his 20th birthday today.  Kirill is expected to spend this season in Bridgeport as he continues to mature and develop into a potential top six forward for the Islanders.

Additionally it was announced that the Islanders had resigned forward Sean Backman to a one year two way deal.  Backman who is a relative of Matt Moulson will provide Bridgeport with depth as he did last season on their quest to their first division title in a decade.

 photo courtesy of http://cdn1-www.hockeysfuture.com

Brooklyn Once Again Gaining Steam

Recent reports from Chris Botta suggest Brooklyn is once again gaining steam as a potential landing spot for the Islanders come July 2015 when their lease expires in Nassau County.

Today in a piece for aolsportingnews.com Botta has quotes from Gary Bettman who had previously been against Brooklyn as a home for the Islanders with a bit of a change of tune on the matter.  With regard to the possibility Gary says, "its something wed have to look at."  Bettman had previously been against the idea because he felt he would hinder a lot of current fans from attending games.

I'm pretty sure that if it came down to it fans would prefer a move to Brooklyn because while not ideal, at least the'yd still have the opportunity to attend games. 

Botta also says that if Wang decides he has no alternatives in NY beside Uniondale, Ontario, Quebec City, and Seattle will be waiting for him.  However, according to puckdaddy, the NHL wants expansion money out of Quebec City and Ontario.  That fact could hinder the possibility of them as a spot.  Seattle would be most likely to receive a team through relocation, he says. 

Although Barclays as currently constituted isn't favorable for hockey, Nets and Barclays CEO said that could change.  He told Chris Botta, "... We feel very strongly about Brooklyn as a hockey market and know we can accommodate it from a building perspective." 

I have thought all along with regard to Brooklyn that if the team gave them a long term commitment that they would be able to alter things to help out things like site lines.

For more, check out Bottas article below as well as puckdaddys.

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2012-07-16/new-york-islanders-brooklyn-nassau-coliseum-charles-wang-barclays-center

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/brooklyn-islanders-arena-says-ready-nhl-tenant-164844886--nhl.html

Isles Dont Take Lastest Arena Attempt Seriously!

According to Chris Botta, his sources tell him that people connected with the Islanders view Ed Manganos recent RFQ as a, "transparent attempt to save face."  Also that, "its a nonstarter" because as a tenant Wang wouldn't have enough revenue streams to make the Islanders profitable.

This isn't a good sign because it means people with the Islanders are also starting to sour on Nassau as a location for this team.

The politicians in Nassau County better get to perfecting their blame game routine because the way things are going now, come 2015 they will be getting what they have wanted all along and we maybe calling the Islanders the Brooklyn Islanders, or something else.

https://twitter.com/ChrisBottaNHL

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2012-07-16/new-york-islanders-brooklyn-nassau-coliseum-charles-wang-barclays-center

Matt Martin & Ty Wishart Reject Qualifying Offers

According to various reports, Islanders RFA's Matt Martin and Ty Wishart have rejected their qualifying offers.  No need to get nervous now though.  Kevin Schultz from pointblank says this is basically a formality and it just means that they are looking for a larger raise then the qualifying offer gives them. 

http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2012/07/matt-martin-ty-wishart-turn-down-isles-qualifying-offers/

RUMOR: NIFA Wouldve Killed Last Years Referendum Anyway

Last Summer led by Nassau County Exec Ed Mangano, and of course Charles Wang there was a referendum vote which sought Nassau County residents approval to borrow 400 million dollars in order to construct a new Nassau Coliseum, a minor league ball park and an in door track and field facility at Mitchell Field.  Should this have passed then NIFA (Nassau Intern Finance Authority) would've had to pass it before it was enacted because of Nassaus terrible financial situation. 

Unfortunately the referendum was voted down, so it was never found out if NIFA would've passed it or not.  There has been some recent chatter however, that NIFA would not have passed the vote had it ultimately been given a green light by Nassau voters.

If NIFA truly has this stance, then given there position being in charge of the finances for the County for the time being at least, it makes the Islanders picture in Nassau which is already bleak, that much bleaker. 

Owners Asking For A Lot To Start CBA Negotiations

According to reports, the owners have made their first proposal to the players part of the CBA negotiations.

They are said to be asking the players to reduce their revenues from 57% to 46%.  On top of that, 10 seasons would be needed to reach UFA, no contracts over 5 years long, no more salary arbitration, and 5 year entry level deals instead of 3.

Most seem to think this was more of a case of the owners reaching in their first proposal rather then the owners actually expecting to get that.  More then likely it will end up being a compromised version of that.

http://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2012/7/13/3158392/nhl-cba-negotiations-starting-point-shots-fired

REPORT: Shane Doan Offered 4 years 30 Million

According to reports, Coyotes captain Shane Doan has been offered a contract of 4 years 30 million by an Eastern Conference team.  The thing is, nobody knows which team this is yet.  The report has been sending shock-waves around today as people scramble to wonder who the mystery team could be.

https://twitter.com/Gambo620/status/223841139659259905

Some fans have wondered if the Islanders could be that mysterious team because of our large amount of cap space and our need for a top 6 forward after loosing Pa Parenteau earlier this month.  I personally don't see it, because although Doan is a solid player, we've never been one to spend like that and Doan is nearing the end of his career so that's not someone you would invest in.  Although the Islanders have blown your mind before when it comes to common sense so I wouldn't put anything past them.

Blame Game Starting Between Politicians?

As I am sure you have seen over the last few days, new plans to develop the Nassau Coliseum have once again surfaced from both sides of the aisle.

Both plans have been criticized for their stupidity and lacking common sense.  County Executive Ed Manganos plan basically requires a developer to come in and build a new Coliseum, and recoup those losses with secondary development on the site under the TOH zone.  The same zone that the County Executive said was economically unfeasible when it was first released by the town.  Additionally the developer would also have to share Coliseum revenues with Wang.  Meanwhile, the Democrats plan would give Wang ownership of the land the Coliseum sits on for a very small fee, and he would be required to pay 320 million dollars for a new Coliseum meanwhile the remaining 80 million would be paid for by Nassau County, and Wang would be given right of refusal for any future development on the property.

I guess Mr. Manganos statements on the TOH zone escaped his mind when issuing this RFQ.  Also weren't the Democrats the ones last year saying that nothing from the taxpayers should be used to build up the Coliseum and the taxpayers agreed when voting down the referendum last year.  However, now not only are they spending Wangs money for him they are also going back on what they were saying last year and spending County money on this as well.  The obvious flaws with each plan have led some to suggest that the plans are just for show and aren't actually attempts that the politicians think can get off ground level.

Those same people think the politicians are just readying themselves to play the blame game when the Islanders leave town instead of actually trying to come up with a mutually beneficial plan to actually keep the team here.  In his latest piece for WFAN, BD Gallof goes as far as saying that many people who he has spoken to say its, "Brooklyn or Splitsville" for the Islanders."  Some don't consider Brooklyn a long term option because its not designed for hockey and there wouldn't be an enjoyable game experience.  However, I think if the arena received a long term commitment from the team they would explore making changes to make it better for hockey.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/07/12/gallof-bad-news-islanders-fans-new-nassau-coliseum-plan-is-fatally-flawed/

Jacobs Reveals A Plan Against Manganos RFQ

According to Newsday, Democratic Boss Jay Jacobs unveiled a proposal to build a new Coliseum using both private and County dollars.  (I guess he missed the vote last year that he campaigned against that people don't want to use County dollars for this)

The expected cost of the arena is 400 million dollars, he is suggesting that Wang pay 320 million and then Nassau County borrowing the remaining 80 million and repaying it over 30 years with the proceeds from the entertainment tax sold from each ticket at the Coliseum.  According to Jacobs, that currently generates 1.5 million for the general fund.  However, with increased attendance expected at the new arena that number goes up to 2.65 million. 

Jacobs came out with this because he feels as though Manganos latest plan will take to long and handcuff the Countys ability to negotiate with Wang.  For more, check out the link below:

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/nassau-dems-push-new-coliseum-plan-1.3830636

Mangano Seeking A Developer For a New/Renovated Coliseum +

According to Newsday, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano is seeking a developer to coordinate the construction of a new or renovated Coliseum, along with housing and retail on the land around the Nassau Coliseum. 

On Monday, Nassau County is expected to issue a Request For Qualifications in an attempt to jump-start the process.  The RFQ is expected to say that the winning developer must immediately begin negotiations with the Islanders as well as SMG.

What they are trying to accomplish by issuing the RFQ is: to make up the price of what Wang is willing to pay as the Coliseums tenant compared to the cost of a new/renovated arena.  Mangano made a point to say that no County money is involved.

The RFQ has a response deadline of July 30th, which means any interested developers have to submit their plans to the county by then or there out of luck.  Apparently the RFQ will call for a new or renovated arena for the Islanders or another unnamed sports team, as well as a bio tech park, convention space, retail, and housing.  Officials also want a 3,000 spot parking garage. 

Jay Jacobs the Nassau Democratic Party chairperson was critical of the idea saying that the plan was, "counterproductive" because it stopped the county from directly negotiating with the Islanders leadership.  Keep in mind, this is the same guy who last summer suggested charging Islander fans PSL's in an attempt to raise funds for a new Coliseum.

For more, check out the Newsday link below:

http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/infomo;JSESSIONID=703656FED317F950FDD7.3239?site=newsday&view=top_stories_item&feed%3Aa=newsday_1min&feed%3Ac=topstories&feed%3Ai=1.3825413&nopaging=1 

New Seating Map For Isles Games

Well, I dont know if you have noticed but the seating map for Islanders games has changed since the end of last season.

There were many handicapped seats added in the front row of most 100's sections, additionally section 109x was removed for what I heard in favor of an elevator to provide access to those seats.  However, section 109 will still be there.

photo courtesy of http://islanders.nhl.com

Isles Offseason Basically Done?

Thats right, according to Arthur Staple of Newsday the Islanders roster you see today is basically the one you will also see on opening night in October.

https://twitter.com/#!/StapeNewsday

This reaching the public sent twitter in motion and for the last hour discussions about the team and ineptness of management reached a boiling point to where I sorta feel like fans are dividing themselves.  The group that has faith in the team and management, and the group that thinks management is incompetent and loves the team but just doesn't see it.

Unfortunately if these statements from Staple hold true I think we will see another playoff-less season on Long Island, I guess thats why they play the games though.

Matt Martin Declines To File For Arbitration

This morning, the morning when arbitration eligible players around the NHL had the chance to file none of the players on the Islanders did.

There was really only one forward who probably considered filing and that is now the NHL record holder for most hits in a season Matt Martin. 

Matt put up consistent offensive numbers last year to his previous season and his skating and fighting showed great improvement.  Also, as was just stated he set the NHL record for most hits in a season.  The fact that he didn't file for arbitration more then likely means that him and the Islanders aren't far off on a contract which is a good sign after the trouble they had with getting his entry level contract ironed out.

http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2012/07/the-morning-skate-matt-martin-declines-arbitration/#more-36357

Do you Have What It Take To Be An Islanders Ice Girl??

Well, if you do tryouts to be a member of the Islanders Ice Girl squad for the 2012/2013 season are August 12th at Iceworks.

For more info view the link below:

http://islanders.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=79836&navid=DL|NYI|home

Commit and Fans Will To

Recently I have seen some bloggers suggest that if we want to keep our team that we as a fan base need to do a better job of showing up at games.  Over the last few years the Islanders have been last or near last place in the league in attendance.

While I agree with the sentiment made by said bloggers, the reason I dont totally agree is because I can see the fan side of things to.  Fans feel like management isnt showing a commitment to winning so why are they going to pay above average NHL ticket prices to go and see a less then stellar team?  Especially in a time when a lot people are going through financial hardships. 

That doesn't only apply just to on the ice, but off the ice as well.  How can you expect younger players to succeed to their fullest when they aren't given the proper tools to do so?  Questionable decisions of recent years have suggested that the Islanders are more interested in cutting corners then giving the young players all the tools needed to excel to the fullest.  Thats not a successful formula for a rebuild.

I understand they Islanders are a tough sell and they always kick the tired on free agents, but after a while either through trade or free agency you need to make a statement that you want to be relevant again.  Think the Mets in 1983 when they traded for Keith Hernandez then again in the winter of 04/05 when they signed Pedro Martinez.  The Mets knew that Pedro probably wouldn't live up to the life of the contract. However, they knew that they needed to do something to be relevant again so they pulled the trigger, and soon after they acquired another marquee free agent in Carlos Beltran.  Now I am not saying the Islanders should go out and spend 100 million dollars on Zach Parise, however getting a pretty good tier two guy in here would be a good start and would certainly invigorate the fan base which is sorely needed.

These statements by the bloggers really got to me because I know if the commitment to win from management was there and the team was a solid team that the building would not only be crowded on most night but full.  Having an on ice team salary half that of the cap floor isn't much of a commitment to winning now is it though?

Wild Land Parise And Suter

As most everyone already knows, the Minnesota Wild made headlines everywhere earlier this afternoon landing not only the top forward on the market Zach Parise but the top defenseman on the market in Ryan Suter. 

It came as little surprise that the Wild signed Parise as they had been noted as a front runner for him for a while since Zach is from there.  Zach is reportedly going to be the Wilds new captain.  However, the fact that they beat out teams like Detroit for Ryan Suters services is a huge sign for the Wilds organizaton and their fans and I think shows how bad Parise and Suter wanted to play together.

The Wild gave each of them 13 years 98 million dollar contracts, each of them have a cap hit of roughly $7,500,000 next season.

Isles Active Early In Free Agency

Well the Islanders surprised many yesterday signing three un restricted free agency on the opening day of free agency.

They signed forward Brad Boyes to a one year deal worth one million dollars.  From 2007-2009 Boyes managed to tally a combined 76 goals while a member of the St Louis Blues.  However, over the last three seasons Boyes has only managed to tally 39 goals combined.  If Boyes is able to retain his form, possibly playing with Tavares then Garth and co will look like real winners in this deal.

Within minutes of the Boyes signing, it was announced that the Islanders had also signed rugged defenseman Matt Carkner.  Matt who spent many years toiling in the minors finally was able to get a starting job with Ottawa a few years ago and has been a staple on the blueline since.  Matt is just as known for his fighting as he is his defensive play.  Sitting at 6'4 230 pounds, Carkner has the rep of being one of the tougher guys in the league.  We needed a physical bottom pair defenseman and we got just that in Carkner.

Around an hour and a half later it was announced that we had signed Eric Boulton to a one year contract worth around 550 thousand dollars.  To put it simply Boulton is basically the new Gillies.

While they did sign a few people, there were also a few departures.  Depth defenseman Dylan Reese signed a one year two way deal with his home town Pens.  Fan favorite Micheal Haley signed with the Rangers on a two year deal.  Lastly PA Parenteau signed a 4 year 16 million dollar deal with the Avalanche.

While it was upsetting that Haley signed with the Rangers of all teams, the loss that really got to me was PA.  I figured that if he was asking for the moon that he would likely not be back and with the way free agent bidding usually is I wouldnt blame him for that.  However, if he was asking for a market value contract I figured that he would be back.  The fact that he signed a contract that is more then fair market value and wasn't with us is a shame and boggles my mind.  As the team with the 27th best offense in the 30 team in the NHL how can your second leading point getter be let go well knowing you probably wont replace his production unless IF Brad Boyes recovers his game.  That seems like poor asset management. 

Some people say basically good riddance to PA and say that he was a product of Tavares and that Tavares can make any player as good as PA was.  I think that couldnt be further from the truth and that is evidenced by the fact that during PA's time on the second line this season he still put up just as good stats if not better then he did while playing with Tavares.

Free Agent Frenzy

Today, with it being free agent day we will be running a live blog tracking all the signings and rumors from credible sources of the day.  If you hear something that you dont see posted, post it in comments and who knows maybe I will add it. 


11:56PM: Although it was reported by Arthur Staple that the Islanders were likely to sit tight on the defense market for now, it was reported by Brian Compton that they could look at former Ranger Michael Rozival.

11:56PM: Olli Jokinen signs a 2 year 9 million dollar deal with the Jets.
6:42PM: According to Arthur Staple, the Islanders are no longer in the running for defenseman Bryce Salvador

6:41PM: Buffalo trades Derek Roy to Dallas in exchange for forward Steve Ott and defenseman Adam Pardy

6:41PM: Montreal signs Carey Price to a 6 year extension

6:40PM: Jiri Hudler signs a 4 year 16 million dollar contract with the Calgary Flames

6:39PM: Johan Hedberg resigns with the Devils for 2 years at 1.4 million per year

6:39PM: Marty Brodeur resigns with the Devils for 2 years at 4.5 million per year
12:09AM: According to TSN it is believed that the Devils have offered Marty Brodeur a two year contract, it is believed that he will accept it and remain a Devil.

Day 1

11:42PM: According to Arthur Staple the Islanders are still in on Bryce Salvador and he expects to make his decision tomorrow.  Additionally they are no longer interested in Semin.

8:10PM: Jason Garrison signs with Vancouver for 6 years at 4.6 million per season


8:10PM: Dallas signed defenseman Shelden Souray to a 3 year contract worth 3.66 million per season

8:09PM: Aaron Rome signs a 3 year deal worth 1.5 per season with Dallas


8:09PM: Detroit signs forward Jordin Tootoo to a 3 year contract worth 1.9 per season

8:08PM: Mikael Samuelson signs a 2 year contract with Detroit for 3 million per season

5:45PM: Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Bryan Allen to a 3 year deal worth 3.5 million per year


5:26PM: Penguins sign defenseman Dylan Reese to a one year deal


5:23PM: Jay McClement signs a 2 year 3 million dollar deal with the Leafs


5:18PM: According to Gord Miller of TSN Sami Salo is heading to Tampa Bay for a two year deal

4:40PM: Adrian Aucoin has signed a 1 year 2 million dollar deal with the Blue Jackets

4:14PM: Pa Parenteau has signed a 4 year deal worth 4 million per season with Colorado

4:05PM: Islanders have signed enforcer Eric Boulton


4:02PM: George Parros has signed a 2 year deal with the Panthers

3:59PM: Alexei Ponikarovsky has signed with the Jets for 1 year at 1.8 million


3:54PM: Sheldon Brookbank has signed with the Blackhawks


3:47PM: Greg Zannon has signed with the Avalanche


3:39PM: Brandon Prust has signed a 4 year deal worth 10 million with Montreal

3:26PM: The Rangers have signed former Islander tough guy Micheal Haley to a two year deal


3:11PM: Montreal signs Francis Bouillon to a 1 year deal worth 1.5 million

3:05PM: Dustin Penner has resigned with LA for 1 year worth a shade over 3 million according to Pierre Lebrun


3:03PM: Ottawa has traded forward Nick Foglino to Columbus in exchange for defenseman Marc Methot.

2:59PM: According to reports, the Flyers offers for Suter/Parise could be as high as 12 years 80 million.

2:47PM: The Panthers have signed Flip Kuba to a 2 year deal worth 4 million per year


2:38PM: Penguns sign Tanner Glass to a 2 year 1.1 millon dollar deal

2:36PM: Rangers have signed Aaron Asham to a 2 year deal worth 1 million per year.  Asham has now played for every team in the Atlantic Division.


2:12PM: Islanders sign Matt Carkner to a 3 year contract worth 1.5 million per year


2:03PM: Sharks sign Adam Burish to a 4 year deal worth 1.8 million per season

1:59PM: Islanders have signed forward Brad Boyes to a 1 year deal worth 1 million dollars according to Andy Strickland

https://twitter.com/andystrickland/status/219489722395926528

1:53PM: Reports suggest that the Red Wings have made Zach Parise an offer

1:48PM: Brad Staubitz signs 2 years with the Ducks

1:45PM: Ray Whitney signs a 2 year deal worth 9 million in Dallas


1:40PM: Colby Armstrong signs 1 year 1 million dollar deal with Montreal

1:39PM:  Guillaume Latendress signs 1 year 1.2 million with the Sens pending physical

1:36PM: Chris Kelly signs a 4 year 12 million dollar deal with the Bruins

1:26PM: Zennon Konopka signs a two year deal with the Wild

1:19PM: According to Craig Custance, Ducks enforcer George Parros already has a few offers on the table already.


1:16PM: According to Newsday, the Islanders have inquired on defenseman Bryce Salvador


1:14PM: Blackhawks have reached out to Marty Brodeur

1:14PM: Rangers resigned Stu Bickel to a two year deal

1:12PM: Joe Corvo signed 1 year 2 million deal with the Hurricanes

1:06PM: According to reports the Hurricanes have joined the party and made offers to both Parise and Suter

1:00PM: According to tsn, the Leafs have placed a call to the agent for Marty Brodeur inquiring about the hall of fame netminder

12:50PM: According to the Flyers beat writer for the Philly inquirer, the Flyers have made offers to free agents Matt Carle, Zach Parise, and Ryan Suter

12:49PM: John Mitchell is expected to sign a 2 year deal with Colorado

12:41PM: David Moss signs a 2 year deal with the Coyotes


12:38PM: According to sports net, the Red Wings have signed goalie Jonas Gustavsson

12:33PM: According to their official twitter feed, the Minnesota Wild have submitted offers to free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter

12:24PM: According to TSN, Ottawa is interested in former Islander forward PA Parenteau

12:22PM: Derek Meech signs a 1 year 2 way deal with the Jets

12:13PM: According to newsday, the Islanders have already inquired on former 40 goal scorer Brad Boyes.

12:10PM: Benoit Pouliot signs 1 year 1.8 million dollar deal with the Lightning

12:00PM: Jordan Staal signs a 10 year 60 million dollar extension with the Hurricanes

11:59am: Ryan Smyth signs a 2 year extension with the Oilers worth 2.25 per year.