NHL Signings Before Free Agency Starts

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed Bill Guerin to a one-year $2 million deal that will keep the veteran forward with the team for at least one more season. ”We are excited to agree to terms with Billy on this one-year deal,” general manager Ray Shero said.

”He made a tremendous impact on this team with his scoring ability, physical play and outstanding leadership and was a key factor in our drive to the Cup. I know our players, coaches and fans will be happy to have him back in Pittsburgh.”

Guerin, who would have become an unrestricted free agent tomorrow, posted five goals and 12 points in 17 regular season games but was instrumental to the team’s Stanley Cup win.  I know that at 38 years old, he’s not as quick as many of his teammates but the Penguins need experienced players to balance out their young lineup. 

Another veteran player, 39-year-old, Rob Blake, has been re-signed.  The San Jose Sharks offered Blake a one-year contract worth $3.5 million plus bonuses.

The defenceman scored 10 goals and 35 assists in 73 games and I think he’s a valuable asset to the team.  After 20 years in the league (he was drafted 70th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 1988) he’s enjoyed a great deal of success including winning the Norris Trophy in 1997-98 and winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001.

Of course, Blake was also part of Team Canada’s success at the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002.  They took home the gold medal.

The Carolina Hurricanes have ensured that Jussi Jokinen will be in their lineup for another two years by offering the forward, who they acquired from Tampa Bay last year, a $3.4 million contract extension. 

Jokinen didn’t have a great regular season.  He only played in 25 games and managed to score just one goal and 11 points in those appearances.  He seemed to come alive during the postseason, however, when he scored seven goals and racked up another 11 points in 18 playoff games.

"Jussi was a good addition to our team last season, and he really stepped into his role in the playoffs," said Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford. "His ability to contribute on the power play and penalty kill, and his versatility at different forward positions makes him a valuable player."

David Bolland will be staying with the Chicago Blackhawks after the team gave him a five-year deal worth more than $16 million (he’ll make about $3.375 million per season). 

I’m not surprised at all that the Blackhawks wanted to secure his spot on the roster since I think the 23-year-old really was instrumental in helping them make the playoffs. 

He was drafted by the team in 2004 but this was his first good season.  He managed to tally up 19 goals and 28 assists during the regular season and added another four goals and eight assists in the playoffs. 

I really wanted to see the Blackhawks make it to the finals so that they could take on the Penguins (to teams with young captains and youthful lineups) but it just didn’t happen.  Maybe next year.

Johnny Oduya has been given a multi-year contract extension by the New Jersey Devils.  The defenseman is expected to make about $3 million per season. 

Again, this isn’t a big surprise since, like Bolland, Oduya had a breakout season with a career high of seven goals, 22 assists and 29 points.  He also played in every playoff game.

The New Jersey Devils signed Oduya on July 17, 2006 after he played in the Swedish Elite team for three years.

images: TSN